Erling Haaland Enters the Chess Arena: A Game-Changing Investment in Norway Chess and the Total Chess World Championship Tour
Erling Haaland Makes Bold Move into Chess World with Major Investment
Oslo, Norway — Global football sensation Erling Haaland has taken a surprising leap into the chess arena, investing in Norway Chess and supporting the launch of the ambitious Total Chess World Championship Tour. This elite circuit is set to feature renowned Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, further intertwining the worlds of football and chess.
In a press release, Haaland expressed his admiration for chess, stating, “Chess is an incredible game. It sharpens your mind, and there are clear similarities to football. You have to think quickly, trust your instincts, and think several moves ahead.”
Haaland, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker, has recently eclipsed Carlsen as Norway’s most famous figure, boasting over 40 million Instagram followers. Known for his record-breaking performances on the pitch, Haaland also made headlines last year by becoming Norway’s all-time leading goal scorer, surpassing a record that stood since 1934.
The investment comes through Chess Mates, a new company co-founded with Norwegian businessman Morten Borge. While the exact financial details remain undisclosed, reports suggest that Haaland’s company now holds a 25% stake in Norway Chess, marking a significant milestone as it is believed to be the first major investment in professional chess by an elite footballer.
The Total Chess World Championship Tour aims to crown a new World Combined champion across three time controls, with backing from FIDE. A pilot event is scheduled for October, leading into a full season in 2027, featuring a minimum prize fund of $2.7 million—making it one of the most lucrative events in the chess calendar.
“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 stated. “The team behind Norway Chess has already done an impressive job growing the event.”
Kjell Madland, CEO of Norway Chess and Total Chess, emphasized the significance of Haaland’s involvement, noting, “The fact that Erling is joining us as an investor says a great deal about the commercial potential of this tour.”
Haaland’s business partner, Morten Borge, is also deeply invested in the chess community, supporting initiatives that connect chess with underprivileged children and nurturing young Norwegian chess talents.
This investment comes at a time when interest in chess is surging among footballers. Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze recently made headlines by winning a $15,000 chess tournament, while Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has expressed his passion for the game, even calling Carlsen “the best endgame player ever.”
Haaland’s newfound interest in chess is particularly intriguing given his previous light-hearted dismissal of the game in a 2020 interview, where he admitted to having little interest in chess. However, it seems that the allure of the game has captured his attention, leading to this groundbreaking investment.
As the chess world prepares for the upcoming Norway Chess event, which is set to enter a new era in Oslo, all eyes will be on Haaland and his ambitious plans to elevate chess to new heights.