Manchester City striker Haaland invests in Norway Chess ahead of new tournament

[p]Chess ‌Mates, a company owned by Norwegian international ‌[a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/haaland-erling/UmV9iQmE/"]Haaland[/a] and businessman Morten Borge, is set to become ‌a significant owner of Norway Chess as well ‌as the organisation's new Total Chess World Championship Tour.[/p][p][b]"Chess is an incredible game. It sharpens your mind, ‌and there are clear similarities to ⁠football," [/b]Haaland said ‌in a statement.[/p][p][b]"You have to think quickly, trust your instincts, ​and think several moves ahead. Strategy and planning are everything.[/b][/p][p][b]"I'm investing in Norway ​Chess because I believe the new Total Chess World Championship Tour can turn chess into an ⁠even bigger sport ​for spectators around the world."[/b][/p][embed guid="53a44425-2adc-4a52-ab9a-a479e118a593" url="https://x.com/chesscom/status/2034635141570503113" social-type="twitter" /][p]The series, which will crown a "World Combined Champion" across three time formats - Fast Classic, Rapid and Blitz - will feature four ‌events a year in cities around the world.[/p][p]It was approved by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in October, with a one-off pilot event scheduled for late 2026 before the full championship season begins in 2027.[/p][p][b]"Erling has an enormous global following and is truly world-class when it comes to creating magical sporting moments,"[/b] Norway Chess CEO Kjell ‌Madland said.[/p][p][b]"I am absolutely certain he will bring ​tremendous value to Total Chess, help generate ‌increased interest in the fascinating world of chess, and attract new audiences."[/b][/p][p]Chess has become increasingly popular in Norway in recent years, thanks in large part to the success of world ⁠number one Magnus ⁠Carlsen - a five-time World Chess Champion.[/p]