Erling Haaland, Manchester City striker has made a major investment in global chess development. The Norwegian forward is backing the Total Chess World Championship Tour project. The initiative aims to expand chess’s international reach and commercial appeal.
Haaland’s investment comes through his company, Chess Mates, co‑owned with Norwegian businessman Morten Borge. The partnership holds a significant stake in Norway Chess, the organisation behind the tour. The project has strong support from the International Chess Federation (FIDE), boosting its global credibility.
The Total Chess World Championship Tour will feature four major tournaments annually across different cities. Competitors will play in classical, rapid, and blitz formats to determine the overall champion. Each season offers a minimum prize pool of $2.7 million, highlighting the event’s ambition and scale.
Haaland explained that chess and football share strategic challenges, including quick thinking and decision-making. He hopes his investment will increase spectator interest and grow chess’s fanbase worldwide. The development also strengthens Norway’s influence in global chess, especially with world number one Magnus Carlsen involved.
A pilot version of the tour is set for late 2026, followed by a full season in 2027. Organisers aim to combine elite competition with long-term growth strategies. With Haaland’s backing, chess is poised to attract new audiences and shine on a bigger international stage.
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