Erling Haaland Makes Strategic Move into Chess with Major Investment
In a surprising crossover between football and chess, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has emerged as a significant investor in a new world chess championship tour, as exclusively revealed. The deal, finalized just before City's match at West Ham last Saturday, saw Haaland subtly sporting a Norway Chess cap at the London Stadium, a detail that went unnoticed by many.
Haaland's Vision for Chess as a Spectator Sport
Haaland's investment in the Total Chess World Championship Tour, which boasts an annual prize pool of $2.7 million (£2 million), is driven by his ambition to elevate chess into a more prominent and viewer-friendly global sport. 'Chess is an incredible game,' Haaland stated. 'It sharpens your mind, and there are clear similarities to football. You have to think quickly, trust your instincts, and think several moves ahead.'
This move highlights a growing trend among Premier League elites, with players like Liverpool's Mohammad Salah admitting to being 'addicted' to chess in 2023, and Arsenal's Eberechi Eze winning $20,000 in an online celebrity tournament last year. Notably, Haaland's manager, Pep Guardiola, and former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca are also avid players, underscoring the sport's appeal in football circles.
Formation of Chess Mates and Tour Details
Haaland is pioneering as the first top footballer to invest directly in chess by partnering with Norwegian businessman Morten Borge to establish Chess Mates. This entity will hold a substantial ownership stake in Norway Chess, the company orchestrating the new championship tour. 'I'm investing in Norway Chess because I believe the new Total Chess World Championship Tour can turn chess into an even bigger sport for spectators around the world,' Haaland explained. 'The team behind Norway Chess has already done an impressive job growing the event.'
The tour, endorsed by Fide, chess's governing body, will feature four annual tournaments hosted in different cities, culminating in a combined world champion across three disciplines: fast classic, rapid, and blitz chess. A pilot tournament is scheduled for autumn 2026, with a full championship season launching in 2027. While the exact amount of Haaland's investment remains undisclosed, it is understood to be substantial, reflecting his commitment to the sport's growth.
Commercial Potential and Global Impact
Kjell Madland, CEO of Norway Chess and Total Chess, expressed enthusiasm about Haaland's involvement as a long-term strategic partner. 'The fact that Erling is joining us as an investor says a great deal about the commercial potential of this tour,' Madland said. 'Erling has an enormous global following and is truly world-class when it comes to creating magical sporting moments.'
This investment not only bridges two competitive worlds but also aims to capitalize on Haaland's international fame to attract a broader audience to chess. With world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen likely to participate, the tour promises high-stakes excitement and could redefine chess as a mainstream spectator sport, leveraging strategic thinking and rapid decision-making akin to football.
