Explained: Man City star Erling Haaland’s sudden interest in chess and his support for Total Chess World Championship

Erling Haaland isn't just smashing records in football anymore. The Manchester City and Norway star has now turned his attention towards another sport – chess, although his involvement with the board game will not be as a player. Haaland, after all, has joined hands with Norwegian businessman Morten Borge to create Chess Mates, a company that is set to become a significant investor in Norway Chess.

The prestigious Classical tournament that takes place in June and holds the distinction of hosting some of the world's best Grandmasters, including world No 1 and Norway's very own Magnus Carlsen. Norway Chess had also joined hands with FIDE recently to create the Total Chess World Championship Tour, a brand new tour that seeks to crown chess' world champion across formats, and not just Classical, Rapid or Blitz.

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Haaland opens up on his foray into chess

So what is the reason behind Haaland's sudden interest in chess? In a press release shared by Norway Chess on Thursday, the striker has made special mention of the new Total World Championship and how it can "turn chess into an even bigger sport".

"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," the 25-year-old said in the release.

"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," he continued.

Kjell Madland, CEO of Norway Chess and Total Chess, reflected on Haaland's arrival and how it could boost the commercial potential of the new tour which will have a pilot event this year and kick off in the true sense in 2027.

"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," Madland said.

"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 added.