Erling Haaland Invests in Norway Chess and the Total Chess World Championship Tour
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has made a significant investment in Norway Chess, backing the launch of the Total Chess World Championship Tour. The 25-year-old’s investment comes through his newly established company, Chess Mates, co-founded with Norwegian business leader Morten Borge.
A New Era for Chess
The Total Chess World Championship Tour aims to elevate chess as a spectator sport, featuring four tournaments annually across fast classical, rapid, and blitz chess formats. A pilot tournament is scheduled for autumn 2026, with the full tour expected to launch in 2027. The initiative has the support of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
Haaland’s Vision for the Game
Haaland expressed his enthusiasm for the game, 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.” He believes the new tour has the potential to significantly broaden chess’s appeal to a global audience. FIDE reports Haaland’s ambition is to make chess a more spectator-friendly sport.
Chess Mates and the Investment
Haaland and Borge’s company, Chess Mates, will develop into a significant owner of Norway Chess. Although the exact investment amount hasn’t been disclosed, reports suggest it is substantial. Chess.com notes that Norwegian newspaper VG reported Chess Mates now holds a 25% share in Norway Chess.
Strategic Alignment
Morten Borge highlighted the strategic parallels between chess and elite sports, stating, “Chess is ultimately about strategy and long-term thinking. Those are qualities that too define both elite sport and the ability to make sound investments over time.” He also revealed plans to provide Haaland with chess training.
Financial Details and Prize Pool
Each season of the Total Chess World Championship Tour will feature a minimum prize pool of $2.7 million (£2 million). The tour is expected to feature the world’s best players, including Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen. ChessBase confirms the tour will crown a combined world champion across the three disciplines.
Haaland’s Growing Influence
With over 40 million followers on Instagram, Haaland’s involvement is expected to attract a new wave of fans to the game. He has already broken Premier League records and become Norway’s all-time leading goal scorer. Chess.com highlights that Haaland is one of the world’s highest-paid athletes, earning around $80 million annually.