Chess in the Last 24 Hours: A New Battle Begins in Zagreb
Ten of the world's best players have just begun the 2026 Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia in Zagreb, a fast-chess event running June 29 to July 6. The star field includes World Champion Gukesh, Norway Chess winner Praggnanandhaa, and speed master Alireza Firouzja, all chasing a $200,000 prize. Plus a look back at Nihal Sarin's stunning Bullet Chess Championship win. An easy, friendly guide to the chess news of the last 24 hours.
Chess in the Last 24 Hours: A New Battle Begins in Zagreb
Something exciting is happening in chess right now. In the last day, ten of the world's best players sat down in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. A new tournament has just begun. The boards are set. The clocks are ticking. And fans around the world are watching.
What Is Happening in Croatia?
The event is called the 2026 Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia. It runs from June 29 to July 6. It is part of the Grand Chess Tour, a series of big events that travels the world each year. This stop marks the middle of the 2026 tour.
The chess here is fast. First the players play "rapid" chess, where each player gets only a short time to think. Then they play "blitz" chess, which is even faster. In blitz, a whole game can end in just a few minutes. One small mistake, and it is over. That is what makes it so much fun to watch.
The prize fund is $200,000. But more than money, the players want pride, points, and a place in chess history.
Who Is Playing?
The field is full of stars. Here are some names to watch:
| Player | Country | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|
| Praggnanandhaa | India | Just won the big Norway Chess title |
| Gukesh D | India | The current World Champion |
| Nodirbek Abdusattorov | Uzbekistan | Highest rated player in the field |
| Alireza Firouzja | France | A king of fast chess |
| Ivan Šarić | Croatia | The local hero, playing at home |
There are more, too: Vincent Keymer, Anish Giri, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, and Jorden van Foreest. Every one of them can beat anyone on a good day.
One player to keep an eye on is Praggnanandhaa. The young Indian star is in great form. Just a few weeks ago, he won Norway Chess with four wins in a row. Now he wants more.
A Quick Look Back
Chess has been busy lately. Only days ago, another young Indian player made big news. Nihal Sarin won the 2026 Bullet Chess Championship online. Bullet is the fastest chess of all. Each player gets just one minute for the whole game.
In the final, Nihal beat the defending champion, Alireza Firouzja. And he did it in amazing style, winning 15 games in a row. Even the experts could not believe their eyes. "It was just not his day," Nihal said kindly about his rival. Now Firouzja will try to bounce back in Croatia.
Why This Is Fun to Follow
You do not need to be a chess master to enjoy this. Fast chess is full of drama. The players think in seconds. Their hands move quickly. The lead can change in a blink. It feels less like a quiet board game and more like a live sport.
If you are new to chess, this is a perfect time to start watching. The games are short. The players are friendly stars. And the action never stops.
So pull up a chair. The pieces are moving in Zagreb, and the next great chess story is being written right now, one fast move at a time.
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