World Chess Tour (WCT) Announced by London-based CHSS: A Game-Changer in Competitive Chess

World Chess, a London-based chess gaming and entertainment company, has announced the launch of the World Chess Tour (WCT) in 2025. This global circuit is set to revolutionize competitive chess by featuring top players in a series of tournaments modeled after the ATP Tour in tennis.

The WCT will include weekly high-stakes online tournaments, 6-8 open tournaments in major cities worldwide, two ‘Grand Slam’ events, and a year-end championship. With a points-based ranking system, players will compete to advance through the ranks and vie for the title of ‘World Chess Tour Champion’.

CEO Ilya Merenzon stated, “It’s about time chess reached a permanent position among major sports. For the first time, the sport will have a structured tour with short, thrilling formats and major prizes, accessible to both elite players and aspiring talents.”

The WCT will offer significant financial incentives, with prize funds reaching up to US$700k for the championship and US$300k for the season points leader. The format will feature ‘rapid chess’, providing a fast-paced, spectator-friendly experience that aims to engage viewers and players alike.

With 60 global broadcast partners and 6 key sponsorship categories, the WCT presents a major commercial opportunity for partners seeking to engage with the rapidly expanding audience of online chess. Since listing on the LSE Main Market in 2023, World Chess has expanded its merchandising and commercial efforts, hosting successful events and raising its profile in the industry.

The announcement of the WCT has already had a positive impact on World Chess’s stock, with shares jumping by 21% initially and consolidating at a 13% increase. The tournament is expected to disrupt competitive chess, offering a high-stakes annual competition where players can compete for major titles, global recognition, and substantial prize pools.