International Chess Federation

Cost of broadcasting rights in chess. Why the game broadcast which is literally followed by millions on Internet, rarely gets on TV? Even when it is played in a fast format. Why Norway was so successful broadcasting chess for many hours straight, reaching as high as 54% of overall TV-rating for NRK during the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship, but it did not work elsewhere so far? Why traditional sports with the comparable audience are benefitting from multi-billion agreements, and what could be selling points for chess to make it to the same league? What would it take to move from low seven-figure contracts to a multi-year nine-figure agreements? What would it take for major networks to realize the potential, and together with FIDE transform the landscape, leveraging on millions of hardcore chess fans, who already are there? I think it is a good time for a roundtable on the topic - chess is ready for the breakthrough. Hope to gather such a think tank early this autumn. Let me know if you are intersted to be a part of it!

World Chess Championship title - the oldest contested in any sport, to be on stake in Singapore this November-December. Will the enigmatic Chinese Grandmaster Ding Liren retain his title or 18 y.o. Indian Gukesh D will be crowned as the new Champion - youngest ever? 138 years of history - and only 17 Champions so far. At this important juncture, when chess is on verge of becoming a mainstream sport, FIDE brings its flagship event to Singapore. And chess is not just a popular game and sport; it is often seen as the epitome of the human mind's ability to think strategically, to plan, and to foresee. Singapore embodies these same qualities. We also plan to team up with major global companies and networks to deliver an outstanding event for hardcore chess fans and wide audience alike. For many years chess remained a highly regarded, but still a niche game - but not anymore. Join us in this quest!

A great match for the great Match! https://fide.com/news/3096

Few sports are as photogenic as chess. When it is Rapid and Blitz, it becomes even more intense. This Christmas FIDE aims to prove that chess is not only photogenic but also telegenic. See you in New York!

Can chess become a mainstream sport? Chess is booming. Hundreds of millions across the globe play it regularly. Major events are followed massively. Top grandmasters thrive, fan base grows, movies and documentaries are being made. Every component of a major sport is there - apart of a mainstream TV coverage. Norwegian NRK has been very successful with a chess broadcast - reaching as high as 54% TV-audience in the country for the World Rapid and Blitz - 2023. However it did not quite work in other places yet. Now the situation is bound to change - with the World Rapid and Blitz Championship coming to New York this Christmas. The opportunity is there - once major TV networks will discover chess - that has a bigger audience than most of the sports. Those who will seize an opportunity - with the broadcasting rights currently valued in millions, rather than in billions - will help themselves, but also chess. We are on verge of a major breakthrough. And there is no better place to start than World Rapid and Blitz Championship in New York.

YouGov study finds that 21% of the Americans play chess, and the figure raises to 28% in 18-44 demographics. 10% of the adult US citizens closely follow chess competitions - and the figure is up to 19% in younger audiences. Fascinating data - chess is on verge of becoming a major mainstream sport!

Start spreading the news: I'm leaving today, but big chess in the big city comes back soon. And our team already works on it for the second week - and we have just 26 left) We aim at making FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship this Christmas the biggest chess event America ever seen. To have a real breakthrough. Top players, special experiences for general public and VIP, side events - all that live from the Wall Street. Team up!

Chess is booming. World Rapid and Blitz Championship comes to New York at the end of this year. Hundreds of world's top grandmasters, thousands of spectators onsite, and millions of viewers online and on TV. Most dynamic format - a mix of a top-notch sport competition and a great show. Today is my last day of meetings in New York, but the team stays here to start preparations for the groundbreaking event. Say chess!