Erling Haaland Takes a Bold Step: Investing in Norway Chess and the Total Chess World Championship Tour
Football Superstar Erling Haaland Invests in Norway Chess and Total Chess World Championship Tour
Last Updated: March 19, 2026, 19:46 IST
In a groundbreaking move that merges the worlds of sports and strategy, football sensation Erling Haaland has announced his investment in Norway Chess and its ambitious new initiative, the Total Chess World Championship Tour. The Manchester City striker aims to elevate chess into a more spectator-friendly sport, drawing parallels between the two disciplines.
Haaland, alongside Norwegian business leader Morten Borge, has co-founded Chess Mates, a company that will play a pivotal role in the ownership of Norway Chess. This partnership is set to bring fresh energy and innovation to the chess scene, which has long been known for its rich history but is now poised for a modern transformation.
“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 plan several moves ahead. Strategy and planning are everything,” Haaland remarked, highlighting the cognitive demands shared by both sports.
Why Chess?
Haaland’s enthusiasm for chess is rooted in his belief that the Total Chess World Championship Tour can significantly broaden the sport’s appeal. “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,” he stated. “The team behind Norway Chess has already done an impressive job growing the event, and joining the project was too exciting to pass up.”
With millions of fans globally, Haaland’s involvement is expected to attract new audiences and invigorate the chess community. Morten Borge echoed this sentiment, stating, “Chess is ultimately about strategy and long-term thinking. Those are qualities that also define both elite sport and sound investments over time.”
The Total Chess World Championship Tour
The Total Chess World Championship Tour is set to be a game-changer in the chess world. Approved by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) for a minimum of 16 years, the championship will feature four tournaments annually across different cities, crowning a combined world champion in three disciplines: Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz chess. A pilot tournament is scheduled for autumn 2026, with a full championship season commencing in 2027, boasting an annual prize pool of at least USD 2.7 million.
As chess continues to evolve, Haaland’s investment marks a significant step towards making the game more accessible and engaging for fans worldwide. With his star power and passion for the game, the future of chess looks brighter than ever.