Manchester City and Norway national team striker Erling Haaland has officially entered the world of professional chess as an investor. Alongside Norwegian businessman Morten Borge, he co-founded the company "Chess Mates," which has acquired stakes in the renowned "Norway Chess" tournament and the newly established "Total Chess World Championship." The International Chess Federation (FIDE) reported this move, highlighting the increasing crossover between mainstream sports icons and the chess world.

Haaland described chess as a fascinating game that exercises the mind and shares striking similarities with football. He emphasized that both disciplines require rapid decision-making, reliance on intuition, and the ability to calculate moves several steps ahead. According to the football star, strategy and meticulous planning are essential components for success, whether on the football pitch or across the chessboard.

The "Total Chess World Championship Tour" is set to become a major fixture in the international sporting calendar, with events scheduled four times a year in various global cities. The tour boasts a minimum annual prize fund of $2.7 million, making it one of the most lucrative circuits in the game. Grandmasters will compete for world titles in classical, rapid, and blitz formats, with the project secured for a minimum duration of 16 years.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and other chess officials have welcomed Haaland’s involvement, stating that his presence will significantly boost the global appeal of the game. Having a world-class athlete like Haaland associated with professional chess serves as a strong signal of the game’s modern cultural relevance and its ability to attract a diverse, younger audience. A pilot phase of the tour is planned for the autumn of 2026, with the first full season commencing in 2027.