New Delhi: Already an icon in the world of football, Erling Holland is stepping into the world of chess not as a player but as an investor. He has supported Norwegian Chess and its newly launched Total Chess World Championship Tour, which aims to help promote the game globally. Together with businessman Morten Borge, he co-founded the company Chess Mates, which now owns a significant stake in Norwegian Chess. The new tour, approved by FIDE for at least 16 years, plans to host four tournaments each year in different cities.
Players will compete in formats like classical, fast and blitz to become the overall world champion. A trial event is scheduled for late 2026, with the full season starting in 2027 and offering an annual prize pool of at least $2.7 million.Explaining his interest, Holland said, “Chess is an incredible game. It sharpens your mind, and there are obvious parallels with football. You have to think quickly, trust your instincts, and think ahead. Strategy and planning are everything”.
Why is the Netherlands investing?
Holland believes the new tour could make chess more interesting for fans around the world. He said, “I am investing in Norway Chess because I believe the new Total Chess World Championship Tour can make chess an even bigger sport for fans around the world. The team behind Norway Chess has already done an impressive job in developing the event, and it was exciting to be involved in this project.”Officials are also optimistic about this initiative. “We hope the new championship will become one of the most prestigious events on the world chess calendar. The fact that Erling is joining us as an investor says a lot about the commercial potential of the tour,” said Norwegian Chess CEO Kjell Medland.
