Erling Haaland makes bold move into chess, becomes key investor in Norway Chess and Total Chess World Championship Tour

Along with Norwegian businessman Morten Borge, Haaland has founded Chess Mates, which will become a significant owner of Norway Chess.

Published on: Mar 19, 2026, 22:09:15 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Manchester City star Erling Haaland has entered the world of chess, becoming a strategic investor in Norway Chess and its newly launched Total Chess World Championship Tour. The tour has already been approved by FIDE for a minimum of 16 years.

Manchester City's Erling Haaland has become a key investor in Norway chess. (REUTERS)

Along with Norwegian businessman Morten Borge, Haaland has founded Chess Mates, which will become a significant owner of Norway Chess.

Also Read: Arsene Wenger-launched AIFF-FIFA academy barred from U18 league after age fraud findings

In a press release, Haaland said, "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."

"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. The team behind Norway Chess has already done an impressive job growing the event, and joining the project was too exciting to pass up."

Meanwhile, Kjell Madland, CEO of Norway Chess, hailed Haaland's decision. “We expect the new championship to become one of the most prestigious events in the global chess calendar. The fact that Erling is joining us as an investor says a great deal about the commercial potential of this tour. Erling has an enormous global following and is truly world-class when it comes to creating magical sporting moments. 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. He has already contributed with several great ideas. With Erling on board, we are now entering the final phase of finding host cities for the first tour,” he said.

The tour will consist of four tournaments each year, hosted in four different cities, and will award a combined world champion across its three formats (fast classic, rapid and blitz). A pilot tournament is set to begin this year, followed by a full season in 2027.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.