About World Chess
Who Are We ?
Innovative, Official, And built with integrity.
World Chess is the official commercial partner of FIDE, the International Chess Federation, and the operator of World Chess, the only platform for playing official FIDE-rated games online and earning online FIDE titles.
World Chess is recognized worldwide for organizing top-level chess tournaments, including World Championship events, and for producing premium chess media and television content. Our platform and events bring chess to millions, combining tradition with innovation, entertainment, and competitive excellence.
World Chess (LSE: CHSS) is a London-based chess gaming and entertainment company. We are a sports organization with seasons, stars, and entertainment giving audiences, players, and sponsors clear incentive to engage.
Through our digital platform worldchess.com, players can:
- Play official FIDE-rated games online
- Earn online FIDE ratings and titles
- Train using puzzles and interactive toolsTest their skills against players worldwide
- Compete in online chess tournaments
World Chess also creates global chess entertainment, including:
- Armageddon Series, the prime-time chess league for television
- The World Chess Show, a magazine-style program airing in over 153 international markets
Our Mission
World Chess exists to make chess a sport the world plays and follows. Fair, enjoyable, and built to last. Giving every player, from beginner to grandmaster, access to games that truly matters.
We aim to bring chess to millions of players worldwide, combining heritage with innovation in online play, digital platforms, and live events.
History
Founded in 2012, World Chess has organized World Championship cycles, Grand Prix events, and introduced new chess formats.
Between 2014 and 2018, World Chess organized a series of iconic Candidates Tournaments and World Championship Matches in New York, London, and Berlin. We introduced bold design and innovations with our design partner Pentagram and pioneered pay-per-view broadcasts for chess fans around the world.
In 2020, World Chess became the operator of the FIDE Online Arena (FOA), the only platform authorized to offer official FIDE-rated online play.
Since then, World Chess has been listed on the London Stock Exchange, produced the Armageddon Championship Series, a global television tournament broadcast in over 150 countries, and launched a global TV series, The World Chess Show.
In 2025, World Chess transitioned the FIDE Online Arena into WorldChess.com, creating a new digital home for official ratings, memberships, and FIDE online titles.
Key Achievements
- 2012 — Founded with the aim to modernize chess while honoring its traditions
- 2014–2018 — Organized World Championship Matches and Candidates Tournaments in New York, London, and Berlin
- 2020 — Became operator of the FIDE Online Arena, the only online platform for official FIDE-rated games.
- 2021 — First chess company listed on the London Stock Exchange (CHSS)
- 2023 — Launched the Armageddon Championship Series, a global chess television tournament
- 2025 — Launched The World Chess Show, a global chess TV program
- 2025 — Transitioned the FIDE Online Arena into worldchess.com, the digital home for official ratings, memberships, and FIDE online titles.
FAQ
Who owns World Chess?
World Chess is a publicly listed company on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker CHSS and is owned by our shareholders. For financial reports, governance information, and shareholder resources, visit our Investor Relations page (https://worldchess.com/investors).
When was World Chess founded?
World Chess was founded in 2012 under the name Agon before adopting the name World Chess shortly afterward.
What is the World Chess Platform?
The World Chess is the official online playing platform for international chess where everyone from beginner level to professional can play, enjoy, compete, and improve their game.
It is the only online playing platform where you can play official FIDE-rated games online and earn official FIDE titles - from Arena Candidate Master all the way to Arena Grandmaster.