Chess Base

• Erling Haaland invests in Norway Chess to launch Total Chess World Championship Tour

  Football star Erling Haaland has become a strategic investor in Norway Chess and its new Total Chess World Championship Tour. The planned circuit will feature four tournaments each season across fast classical, rapid and blitz formats, aiming to crown a combined world champion. A pilot event is scheduled for autumn 2026, with the full tour expected to launch in 2027. | Photo: FIDE

• Talented Tuesdays Podcast: Matthew Sadler on finding his chess voice

  In the latest episode of the English Chess Federation's Talented Tuesdays podcast, GM Matthew Sadler reflects on a formative game from his junior years that helped shape his chess identity. Discussing the challenges of finding a personal style, studying openings in the pre-digital era and balancing competitive chess with professional life, Sadler touches on his later work as an author. | Photo: Matthew Sadler's website

• A legend visits Salzgitter: Vasyl Ivanchuk shines in 31-board simul

  A world star up close: Ukrainian legendary grandmaster Vasyl Ivanchuk created an extraordinary chess celebration in Salzgitter-Bad. In a simultaneous exhibition at the Salzgitter-Bad grammar school, he faced 31 opponents at once - pupils, teachers and club players. The former world number two scored wins on all 31 boards. | Photos: Carolin Köpp