World Chess PLC (CHSS) Launches Global TV Show to Mainstream Chess
the operator of ChessArena.com, has unveiled The World Chess Show, a major new TV programme set to air in 156 markets across 53 networks. This ambitious project is designed to bring chess to mainstream audiences, blending elite competition with compelling storytelling to engage a broader, more diverse viewership.
Key Highlights:
- First-of-its-kind global chess TV property
- Dynamic format featuring top players, behind-the-scenes coverage, and fresh storytelling
- More than just tournament coverage – a full-scale media property
- Integrated promotion of Chess Arena, the official FIDE online chess platform
- Sponsorship opportunities targeting an affluent, engaged audience
With nearly a billion chess fans worldwide, World Chess sees this as a defining moment for the game, positioning chess as a mainstream sport rather than a niche intellectual pursuit.
View from Vox
The launch of The World Chess Show is a bold move by World Chess PLC, underscoring the commercial potential of chess as a global sport. While traditional broadcasting has favoured fast-paced, visually dynamic sports, chess has quietly been building a global fanbase, fuelled by online platforms like ChessArena.com, Twitch streams, and Netflix's "The Queen’s Gambit".
This initiative seeks to capitalise on chess’s growing mainstream appeal, particularly among younger, digital-savvy audiences. By offering prime-time TV slots and integrated sponsorships, World Chess is tapping into a market that has been largely underserved by traditional media.
This initiative will unlock new revenue streams for World Chess PLC, potentially boosting brand visibility, sponsorship deals, and ChessArena.com’s user base. The projected 12:1 return on investment for sponsors is an eye-catching figu
With CEO Ilya Merenzon positioning this as a turning point for chess, The World Chess Show represents a calculated bet on the sport’s untapped commercial and media potential. If it succeeds, it could reshape how chess is perceived – from a niche pursuit to a global media spectacle.
For retail investors, The World Chess Show represents a strategic media expansion that could drive both brand visibility and platform growth for World Chess PLC. By positioning chess as a prime-time, commercially viable sport, the company is tapping into a growing global audience, but its success will depend on execution and sustained viewer engagement. If the show attracts mainstream attention, integrated sponsorships and advertising opportunities could provide a significant financial boost. Chess has never been more popular, but the key question remains—can The World Chess Show transform it into a true media powerhouse? Investors will be watching closely.
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