chess legend Magnus Carlsen and investor Jan Henric Buettner as we speak revealed that their new firm, Freestyle Chess, has raised €10 million (roughly $12 million) in funding from Left Lane Capital. In response to the founders, the funds shall be used to determine a brand new match collection aimed toward “revolutionizing the world of chess.” The freestyle chess type follows Fisher’s random guidelines, the place gamers’ again rows are randomized.
Every match of the brand new occasion collection options 9 Grandmasters chosen by Carlsen from among the many 25 members of the Freestyle Chess Gamers Membership. The founders hosted the primary such occasion in February and plan to host six to eight extra at numerous places all year long. The primary three tournaments will supply $750,000 in prize cash, with the rest providing $1 million in prize cash.
Carlsen stated in an announcement: “Chess must develop right into a extra dynamic and enticing sport that permits gamers to reveal their expertise from step one. Fashionable chess variants like Fisher Random will outline the worldwide sport. The way forward for chess requires evolving into extra thrilling gameplay. Along with tournaments, Freestyle Chess plans to make use of the funding to construct digital experiences, rent new employees and ramp up advertising and marketing.
Harley Miller, CEO and managing companion of Left Lane, stated in an announcement: “Anytime the most effective athletes on the earth compete to absolutely the highest requirements, mixed with cutting-edge storytelling and efficiency expertise, , you basically create one thing with large penalties. Freestyle chess has the potential to turn into a mainstream sport, just like Formulation 1 or ATP tennis.
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