Erling Haaland Invests in Norway Chess to Elevate the Game
Haaland's Investment in Chess
New Delhi [India] - On March 19, football sensation Erling Haaland announced his investment in Norway Chess, particularly in its innovative format, the Total Chess World Championship Tour. His goal is to enhance the appeal of chess, making it more accessible and engaging for spectators.
Norway Chess has long been a pioneer in the chess community, and with the introduction of the Total Chess World Championship Tour, it is set to take a significant leap forward. Haaland, alongside Norwegian entrepreneur Morten Borge, has co-founded Chess Mates, which will play a crucial role as a major stakeholder in Norway Chess.
“Chess is an extraordinary game that sharpens the intellect. It shares many similarities with football, requiring quick thinking, instinctual trust, and foresight,” Haaland remarked.
Morten Borge added, “Chess revolves around strategy and foresight, qualities that are essential in elite sports and wise investments. In many ways, chess embodies the intersection of our worlds. I’ve even promised to provide Erling with some chess lessons!”
With a massive global fanbase, Haaland is already a prominent sports figure, making him an ideal partner to attract new audiences and infuse fresh energy into chess.
“My investment in Norway Chess stems from my belief that the Total Chess World Championship Tour can elevate chess into a more prominent spectator sport globally. The team behind Norway Chess has done remarkable work in expanding the event, and I couldn’t resist joining this exciting venture,” Haaland stated.
This new championship, showcasing the top players worldwide, is anticipated to be a landmark event in contemporary chess. The Total Chess World Championship Tour will feature four tournaments annually across different cities, culminating in a combined world champion across three formats: Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz chess. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has approved this new World Championship for at least 16 years, with a pilot tournament scheduled for autumn 2026 and a full championship season commencing in 2027. Each season will include four events and a minimum annual prize pool of USD 2.7 million.
Kjell Madland, CEO of Norway Chess and Total Chess, expressed enthusiasm about Haaland's investment and his role as a long-term strategic partner.
“We anticipate that this new championship will become one of the most esteemed events in the global chess calendar. Erling's involvement as an investor highlights the commercial potential of this tour. With his vast global following and expertise in creating unforgettable sporting experiences, I am confident he will add immense value to Total Chess, spark greater interest in chess, and draw in new audiences. He has already shared several brilliant ideas. With Erling on board, we are now in the final stages of selecting host cities for the inaugural tour,” Madland concluded.