Sponsors Kaspersky and Phosagro, Russian cybersecurity and chemicals companies respectively, have made sure their names are printed on the game table.Īdvertisements for Algorand, the decentralized blockchain network where World Chess’ player profiles and ratings are recorded, are everywhere. Mastercard and Unibet logos are emblazoned on Carlsen’s shirt, and on the back of his chair sits Coinbase, the cryptocurrency exchange platform. That figure might seem high, but brands can pay millions for advertising packages that have their names on stage at events like this, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) tells CNN. In the hall itself, advertising hoardings are plastered around the soundproof box the players sit in.ĭespite losing, the Russian grandmaster will take home $905,000 in prize money alone. The attritional games are being held in the Expo 2020 Dubai exhibition center, and crowds throng the main atrium to catch a glimpse of the players. He’s resigned the round, and title, to the now-five time world champion Carlsen.
He faces an almost insurmountable task in the World Chess Championship, and surveying the board one last time, smiles knowingly and stops the clock. In contrast, his challenger Ian Nepomniachtchi, looks despondent and resigned to defeat. But leaning forward on his gaming chair, he towers over the chess board, supremely confident. Magnus Carlsen’s hair is disheveled, his beard messy and his white shirt tucked out.
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