Erling Haaland: From Football Star to Chess Investor – A New Era for the Game

NEW DELHI: Football icon Erling Haaland is making waves in the chess world, investing in Norway Chess and the Total Chess World Championship Tour. Co-founding Chess Mates, he aims to elevate chess globally, with plans for a prestigious tournament series starting in 2027.

Erling Haaland Takes a Bold Move into Chess: Investing in the Future of the Game

NEW DELHI: Erling Haaland, the football sensation known for his incredible goal-scoring prowess, is now making headlines for a different reason—his foray into the world of chess. Not as a player, but as a visionary investor, Haaland has backed Norway Chess and its newly launched Total Chess World Championship Tour, aiming to elevate the sport on a global scale.

In partnership with businessman Morten Borge, Haaland has co-founded a company named Chess Mates, which now holds a significant stake in Norway Chess. This ambitious new tour, recently approved by FIDE for a remarkable 16-year run, is set to host four tournaments annually in various cities around the world.

The Total Chess World Championship Tour will feature competitions across multiple formats, including classical, rapid, and blitz, all vying for the title of overall world champion. A trial event is slated for late 2026, with the full season kicking off in 2027 and boasting an impressive annual prize pool of at least $2.7 million.

Haaland expressed his enthusiasm 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. Strategy and planning are everything.”

Why Haaland is Investing

Haaland’s investment is rooted in his belief that the new tour can transform chess into a more thrilling spectacle for fans worldwide. “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. The team behind Norway Chess has already done an impressive job growing the event, and joining the project was too exciting to pass up,” he remarked.

Officials in the chess community share Haaland’s optimism. Kjell Madland, CEO of Norway Chess, stated, “We expect the new championship to become one of the most prestigious events in the global chess calendar. The fact that Erling is joining us as an investor says a great deal about the commercial potential of this tour.”

As Haaland steps into this new arena, the intersection of sports and strategy is set to captivate audiences, potentially ushering in a new era for chess. With his star power and vision, the Total Chess World Championship Tour promises to be a game-changer, not just for chess enthusiasts but for sports fans around the globe.