Haaland Backs $2.7M Global Chess Tour to Grow the Sport
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is investing in a groundbreaking chess tour that aims to make the game more exciting for fans worldwide. The Norwegian star says the sport sharpens his mind just like football does.
When a football superstar invests his money in chess, you know something special is happening for the ancient game.
Erling Haaland, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker known for his lightning speed on the pitch, has announced he's backing Norway Chess to launch the Total Chess World Championship Tour in 2025. Four tournaments will take place annually in different cities around the world, with a combined prize pool of at least $2.7 million each season.
The International Chess Federation is calling it "one of the most significant developments in modern chess." A pilot tournament is already planned for this autumn to test the format.
The tour will crown world champions across three exciting formats: fast classic, rapid, and blitz chess. Each style tests different skills, from deep strategic thinking to split-second decision making under time pressure.
Haaland told the chess federation that the mental similarities between his two passions drew him to the investment. "You have to think quickly, trust your instincts and think several moves ahead," he explained.
Strategy and planning matter in both games, whether you're positioning yourself for a goal or setting up a checkmate. The Norwegian striker sees chess as brain training that keeps him sharp for football.
Why This Inspires
Haaland's investment shows how athletes are using their platforms to grow sports beyond their own. He's not just lending his name but putting real money behind a vision to make chess more accessible and exciting for spectators worldwide.
Norway has already produced Magnus Carlsen, one of the greatest chess players in history with world titles across multiple formats. Now Haaland is helping ensure the next generation of players has even bigger stages to compete on.
The tour represents a fresh approach to a game that's been played for centuries. By creating multiple championship formats and rotating host cities globally, it brings chess to new audiences while rewarding the best players with life-changing prize money.
When sports stars invest in growing other competitions, everyone wins.
Based on reporting by Myjoyonline Ghana
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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