{"id":7512,"date":"2019-12-12T13:41:47","date_gmt":"2019-12-12T13:41:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/?page_id=7512"},"modified":"2025-08-06T13:53:48","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T13:53:48","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/en\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About us"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"width: 1920px;\" class=\"wp-video\"><video class=\"wp-video-shortcode\" id=\"video-7512-1\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" preload=\"metadata\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"video\/mp4\" src=\"https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Welcome-to-Norway-Chess-2025.mp4?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Welcome-to-Norway-Chess-2025.mp4\">https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Welcome-to-Norway-Chess-2025.mp4<\/a><\/video><\/div>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><strong><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Since 2013, Norway Chess has established itself as one of the world\u2019s most prestigious chess tournaments, annually gathering the top global players in Stavanger, Norway. Every year, the chess elite comes together in this action-packed event, which is widely regarded as one of the most exciting tournaments on the chess calendar.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\">Since its inception in 2012, it has transformed Stavanger and Norway into a global chess hub. <span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">In 2024, Norway Chess made history by introducing Norway Chess Women, the first tournament to offer female players equal prize funds, setting a new standard for the future of chess.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>The event has played a major part in popularizing chess by:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Commercializing chess as a sport<\/li>\n<li>Introducing chess on national and international TV<\/li>\n<li>Contributing to the development of chess<\/li>\n<li>Elevating women\u2019s chess with the introduction of Norway Chess Women in 2014<\/li>\n<li>Utilizing the opportunity chess gives to connect people from all backgrounds, cultures, ages and languages<\/li>\n<li>Focusing on sponsors and a high level of professionalism<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>History of Norway Chess<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-12023 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kjell_2013-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Kjell Madland at Norway Chess 2013\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kjell_2013-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kjell_2013-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kjell_2013-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kjell_2013-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kjell_2013-317x178.jpg 317w, https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kjell_2013.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Photo of Founder Kjell Madland during the very first Norway Chess tournament, in 2013.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The Norway Chess journey began in 2012 with a bold ambition \u2013 to create the world\u2019s strongest chess tournament in the home country of Magnus Carlsen, even before he became World Champion. The idea gained momentum in October 2011, when founder Kjell Madland hosted a simultaneous chess tournament with Magnus Carlsen. Twenty-five players \u2013 locals and celebrities of all ages \u2013 played against each other and the chess elite.<\/p>\n<p>The first official tournament was held in 2013, before Carlsen\u2019s rise to World Champion, marking a turning point in Norwegian chess. What once seemed unlikely \u2013 chess drawing half the nation\u2019s TV audience \u2013 soon became reality. Today, chess is widely followed, played, and celebrated across Norway, inspiring similar developments worldwide.<\/p>\n<p>From the beginning, Norway Chess has stood for innovation and professionalism. Early editions were held at unique locations like Flor &amp; Fj\u00e6re, the University of Stavanger, Utstein Monastery, and Stavanger Concert Hall \u2013 placing both chess and the Stavanger region on the international map.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1147\" data-end=\"1426\">In 2017, Norway Chess made history by hosting the highest-rated 10-player tournament ever. What started as a tournament has since grown into a global platform, transforming Stavanger into a world-renowned chess hub and helping redefine the role of chess in sport and society.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>The introduction of Norway Chess Women in 2024<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-12021 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/NC2024_Photos_Stev_Bonhage_Round2_Wenjun_vs_Muzychuk_280524_Stavanger_Norway_DSC_3778-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Ju Wenjun and Anna Muzychuck playing at Norway Chess 2024\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/NC2024_Photos_Stev_Bonhage_Round2_Wenjun_vs_Muzychuk_280524_Stavanger_Norway_DSC_3778-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/NC2024_Photos_Stev_Bonhage_Round2_Wenjun_vs_Muzychuk_280524_Stavanger_Norway_DSC_3778-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/NC2024_Photos_Stev_Bonhage_Round2_Wenjun_vs_Muzychuk_280524_Stavanger_Norway_DSC_3778-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/NC2024_Photos_Stev_Bonhage_Round2_Wenjun_vs_Muzychuk_280524_Stavanger_Norway_DSC_3778-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/NC2024_Photos_Stev_Bonhage_Round2_Wenjun_vs_Muzychuk_280524_Stavanger_Norway_DSC_3778-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/NC2024_Photos_Stev_Bonhage_Round2_Wenjun_vs_Muzychuk_280524_Stavanger_Norway_DSC_3778-1-317x211.jpg 317w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Photo: Ju Wenjun and Anna Muzychuk during Norway Chess 2024 (Norway Chess \/ Stev Bonhage)<\/em><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">2024 marked a significant milestone in our commitment to elevating women\u2019s chess on a global stage. We introduced the world\u2019s first equal super tournament for women \u2013 a parallel event held in the same venue, with identical formats, number of players, and equal prize money as the main event. This historic move set a new precedent in the chess world.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"OYPEnA font-feature-liga-off font-feature-clig-off font-feature-calt-off text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">In 2025, Norway Chess Women returned for its second edition, once again running alongside the main tournament with the same format and prize fund. Its continuation once again set the standard for gender equality in professional chess, made possible by the support of our dedicated partners.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The Wimbledon of Chess<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>In 2014, Garry Kasparov famously called Norway Chess \u201cthe Wimbledon of Chess,\u201d reflecting its prestigious and unique status. Like Wimbledon in tennis, Norway Chess creates an atmosphere of excitement and excellence, captivating audiences through immersive online commentary and TV broadcasts. This has cemented its reputation as a world-class chess tournament.<\/p>\n<p>Stavanger\u2019s rise as a global chess hub is the result of years of dedication and investment. Today, players, fans, FIDE, and the international chess community recognize Stavanger as one of the world\u2019s premier chess cities. As FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich put it: <strong><em>\u201cI don\u2019t know Stavanger for oil and gas, but for chess.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Introduction of New Time Control and Armageddon Playoffs\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>In 2019, Norway Chess introduced a bold change to its game format: Armageddon playoffs. Despite chess\u2019s deep traditions, consultations with elite players encouraged the decision to try this exciting new approach. In Armageddon, time controls are shorter, ensuring every game has a decisive outcome. Draws in the classical format now lead to a thrilling Armageddon showdown.<\/p>\n<p>The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with praise from both players and chess experts. Even FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich noted their interest in this innovative format. The change has not only enhanced the excitement but also doubled the official broadcast\u2019s viewership.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"176\" data-end=\"237\"><strong data-start=\"176\" data-end=\"237\">Broadcast and Commentary: Reaching More Audiences Than Ever<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"166\" data-end=\"293\">Today, Norway Chess is broadcast live from three professional TV studios inside the playing venue, Finansparken in Stavanger.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"295\" data-end=\"654\">In 2025, Norway Chess\u2019 own international broadcast reached viewers in around 20 countries, through major platforms such as <strong data-start=\"418\" data-end=\"429\">SonyLIV<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"431\" data-end=\"449\">Netease Sports<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"451\" data-end=\"465\">Sina Weibo<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"467\" data-end=\"482\">Arena Sport<\/strong>, and <strong data-start=\"488\" data-end=\"502\">Sportspass<\/strong>. The broadcast was also made available on <strong data-start=\"545\" data-end=\"556\">YouTube<\/strong> in select regions, significantly expanding its global reach since the pilot launch in 2024.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"656\" data-end=\"824\">In addition, the tournament was shown on <strong data-start=\"697\" data-end=\"711\">TV 2 Sport<\/strong> in Norway (an official partner since 2014), and streamed live on <strong data-start=\"774\" data-end=\"787\">Chess.com<\/strong>, the world\u2019s largest chess platform.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"826\" data-end=\"1007\">This broad and growing distribution has brought Norway Chess to millions of new viewers worldwide.<\/p>\n<p class=\"cvGsUA direction-ltr align-start para-style-body\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-12937\" src=\"https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/54573688013_d336a31869_c-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/54573688013_d336a31869_c-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/54573688013_d336a31869_c-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/54573688013_d336a31869_c-317x211.jpg 317w, https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/54573688013_d336a31869_c.jpg 799w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Photo:<\/strong> Norway Chess own international broadcast in 2025<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Since 2013, Norway Chess has established itself as one of the world\u2019s most prestigious chess tournaments, annually gathering the top global players in Stavanger, Norway. Every year, the chess elite comes together in this action-packed event, which is widely regarded as one of the most exciting tournaments on the chess calendar. Since its inception in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-7512","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7512","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7512"}],"version-history":[{"count":56,"href":"https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7512\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13062,"href":"https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7512\/revisions\/13062"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/norwaychess.no\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7512"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}