The FIDE has made significant changes to its World Cups in 2021 ©FIDE

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has expanded the number of participants and increased the prize fund at its 2021 World Cups in Russia.

A record total of $1.89 million (£1.4 million/€1.5 million) will be on offer at the men's World Cup in Sochi next July, just shy of $300,000 (£221,000/€244,000) more than the 2019 tournament.

The number of players has been raised from 128 to 206, the FIDE said.

Similar changes have been made to the Women's World Cup in 2021, also set to be held in Russia.

The prize fund has been increased from $450,000 (£331,000/€366,000) to $676,000 (£497,000/€550,000) and the number of players from 64 to 103.

The FIDE has raised the prize money and number of players at the World Cups ©FIDE
The FIDE has raised the prize money and number of players at the World Cups ©FIDE

The FIDE said the decisions had been taken as the World Cup "has clearly become one of the most followed events in the chess calendar".

"It seems to us that this format, coupled with the previously announced FIDE Grand Swiss in which almost all 2650-plus players (and 2400-plus for women) will be able to participate, creates a nearly perfect balance," said FIDE director general Emil Sutovsky.

The World Cups have been provisionally scheduled to start on July 10.

Dates are expected to be confirmed by the Chess Federation of Russia in the coming weeks, the FIDE added.