Erling Haaland is making moves off the pitch by investing in Norway Chess to help grow the sport and launch a new global tournament.
The Manchester City striker, together with businessman Morten Borge, owns a company called Chess Mates. This company is set to become a major owner of Norway Chess and its new competition, the Total Chess World Championship Tour.
Haaland said chess is a brilliant game that helps develop thinking and decision making, with similarities to football such as planning ahead and trusting your instincts.
He added that he believes the new tour can make chess more exciting for fans around the world.
The competition will include four events each year in different cities and will crown a world champion across three formats: classical, rapid and blitz.
The project has already been approved by FIDE. A test event is planned for late 2026, with the full competition expected to start in 2027.
Norway Chess CEO Kjell Madland said Haaland’s global popularity will help bring more attention to the sport and attract new fans.
Chess has grown in popularity in Norway in recent years, largely thanks to world number one Magnus Carlsen.
