Erling Haaland Joins Forces with Norway Chess to Launch Total Chess World Championship Tour
Erling Haaland Takes a Bold Step into the Chess World with Investment in Norway Chess
Last Updated: March 19, 2026, 19:46 IST
In a groundbreaking move that bridges the worlds of football and chess, global football superstar Erling Haaland has announced his investment in Norway Chess and its innovative Total Chess World Championship Tour. This partnership aims to elevate chess into a more spectator-friendly sport, capturing the attention of millions around the globe.
Norway Chess has long been a pioneer in the chess community, and with Haaland’s involvement, it is set to embark on an ambitious new journey. Alongside Norwegian business leader Morten Borge, Haaland has co-founded Chess Mates, a company that will play a pivotal role in the ownership and direction of Norway Chess.
“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,” Haaland stated, drawing parallels between the two sports.
Why Chess?
Haaland’s investment is driven by a vision to transform chess into a major global sport. “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 added.
With millions of fans worldwide, Haaland’s star power is expected to attract new audiences and infuse fresh energy into the chess scene. Morten Borge echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the strategic nature of both chess and elite sports. “Chess is ultimately about strategy and long-term thinking. Those are qualities that also define both elite sport and the ability to make sound investments over time,” he noted. Borge humorously promised to provide Haaland with some chess training as they embark on this new venture.
The Total Chess World Championship Tour
The Total Chess World Championship Tour is poised to become a landmark event in modern chess, featuring the world’s top players. The championship will consist of four tournaments annually, hosted in different cities, and will crown a combined world champion across three disciplines: Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz chess. This initiative has received approval from the International Chess Federation (FIDE) for a minimum of 16 years, ensuring its longevity and significance in the chess calendar.
A pilot tournament is scheduled for autumn 2026, with a full championship season set to kick off in 2027. Each season will feature four events and an impressive annual prize pool of at least USD 2.7 million.
As Haaland steps into the chess arena, the excitement is palpable. With his passion for strategy and competition, the football star is ready to make a lasting impact on the chess world, proving that the game of kings is more than just a pastime—it’s a thrilling spectacle waiting to be embraced by the masses.
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First Published: March 19, 2026, 19:46 IST