A recent survey, conducted by YouGov and World Chess, examining the popularity of chess, found that only 3% of Germans could correctly identify the current Chess World Champion.

Despite an estimated 19 million regular and casual players in Germany, the survey showed that only 3% of those surveyed could correctly name China’s Ding Liren as the current champion after he took the title from Norway’s Magnus Carlsen earlier this year. The survey also observed that 10% believed that Carlsen still held the world champion title.

At the same time, a staggering 65% of survey participants stated that they simply did not know the current champion’s name, a further indication that elite-level chess still carries a relatively low profile compared to other sports.

The survey by research company YouGov and World Chess found that awareness in the UK was even lower, with only 2% able to correctly identify the current World Chess Champion, whilst, similarly to in Germany, 9% thought it was Magnus Carlsen.

Similar trends were observed when respondents were asked about the Champion’s country of origin. Only 7% of respondents in the UK and 3% in Germany correctly identified China as the Champion’s home country, while 16% in the UK and 11% in Germany erroneously believed the current Champion was from Russia. Norway followed closely, with 8% of respondents in the UK and 10% in Germany incorrectly assuming the Champion hailed from there. These findings indicate a persistent misconception among a growing percentage of individuals who continue to associate the World Champion with Magnus Carlsen.

Another finding in the survey suggests that chess appears to be more popular among the younger generation of both the UK and Germany. Notably, 7% of respondents aged 18 to 24 correctly named the World Chess Champion, compared to only 1% among those aged 55 and above.

Commenting on the findings, Ilya Merenzon, Chief Executive Officer of World Chess, said: “The data shows that chess, despite its popularity, is still a startup and is phenomenally promising for us and other chess companies.

‘We are focused on reinventing the sport for the lifestyle audience, investing in educational initiatives, engaging with communities, and celebrating all things chess. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where every player, regardless of their experience, can find enjoyment in this centuries-old sport. We are also excited to establish environments, both online and offline, where chess fans can come together and enjoy each other’s company. ‘

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World Chess is delighted to announce the release of the first-ever chess map of the world that blends the intricate worlds of chess and geography. This unique cartographic creation, where continents and places are crafted from chess openings with geographical names, promises to be a collector’s delight.

Map of the World in 150+ chess openings

The island of Sicily, for instance, is artfully represented by the Sicilian Defense, an opening that has long fascinated grandmasters and novices alike. From the English Opening to the Scandinavian Defense, every geographical reference in the world of chess finds its rightful place on this map. The map features over 150 chess openings, ranging from the Latvian Gambit to German Defense of the Polish Sokolsky Opening.

“We wanted to create something that resonated with both chess enthusiasts and lovers of unique design,” says Ilya Merenzon, CEO of World Chess. “This map shows chess’ deep-rooted connections to various cultures and places. It’s a piece that invites exploration, both of the world and of the game. It’s also a design marvel and one of the most beautiful maps I’ve ever seen,” adds Merenzon.

The map will likely become a staple in chess clubs and in chess collectors’ homes. Printed on premium-quality paper with intricate detailing, the map is perfect for framing and would make a sophisticated addition to any study, library, or living space. It’s a celebration of the game’s universal charm and its ability to bridge continents and cultures.

The World Chess Openings Map was designed by Yuri Gordon for World Chess, principle typeface Kings Game, type vendor Letterhead Studio.

The limited edition of the map is printed in Berlin on museum-quality Hahnemühle paper, one of the oldest paper-mills in the world. The chess map is now available for purchase through World Chess’s official website.

For press inquiries or high-resolution images of the map, please contact World Chess’s media relations team at media@worldchess.com.

Reserve your map today

Grandmaster from Poland Jan-Krzysztof Duda emerged victorious in the thrilling 2023 Armageddon Championship Series, clinching a remarkable €80,000 prize. Wesley So secured the runner-up position with a commendable €20,000 prize. This championship marks a significant milestone in the world of chess, highlighting the growing importance of short-form chess formats and broadcasting innovations.

Jan-Krzysztof Duda receiving his price on stage

Key Highlights:

Armageddon Championship Series Winner: Duda’s chess brilliance led to his well-deserved championship win, solidifying his position as a formidable chess player on the global stage. He managed to perform the best under enormous pressure.

Diverse Competitors: The grand finale featured a star-studded lineup of chess talents, including Wesley So, Sam Shankland, Gukesh D, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Bibisara Assaubayeva, Humpy Koneru, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, and Richard Rapport. Their intense battles captivated audiences worldwide, with huge interest coming from India, the Philippines, Germany, and the US.

Global Broadcast: The 2023 Armageddon Championship Series became one of the year’s most-watched chess events, reaching audiences through 18 online and TV platforms. Major networks like CNBC, BeIN Sports, Channel 4, and FOX Australia brought the excitement of chess to a global audience.

Modern Presentation: World Chess, the event’s organizing body, unveiled a custom-made studio that redefines chess aesthetics. This innovative approach emphasizes chess as a dynamic, contemporary, and electrifying spectacle, setting the stage for the future of the game. The broadcast featured the players’ heart rates, one of the most talked-about features in the series.

Heart-Pounding Stats:

• Wesley So: Recorded a heart rate of 178 bpm during the competition.
• Sam Shankland: Registered 129 bpm in heart rate.
• Jan-Krzysztof Duda: Maintained a heart rate of 144 bpm.
• Nodirbek Abdusattorov: Showcased 145 bpm in heart rate.
• Richard Rapport: Recorded 179 bmp in heart rate.
• Gukesh D: Achieved a heart rate of 144 bpm.
• Humpy Koneru: Maintained 173 bpm in heart rate.
• Bibisara Assaubayeva: Registered 145 bpm in heart rate.

Prize Money Stats:

Jan-Krzysztof Duda — 88 000 EUR
Wesley So — 58 000 EUR
Nodirbek Abdusattorov — 28 000 EUR
Richard Rapport — 38 000 EUR
Gukesh D — 28 000 EUR
Sam Shankland — 18 000 EUR
Humpy Koneru — 18 000 EUR
Bibisara Assaubayeva — 28 000 EUR

The Significance of Armageddon in Chess:

The Armageddon format has injected a new dimension of excitement into chess. It challenges players to balance strategy and speed, making it a true test of skill under pressure. This groundbreaking format has captured the imagination of chess enthusiasts worldwide, reinvigorating the game for modern audiences.

Ilya Merenzon, CEO of World Chess, commented, “The Armageddon Championship Series has not only increased engagement but also brought a fresh perspective to chess. We anticipate the next season, where top-tier players will once again go head-to-head in this dynamic format. We also feel that the event is a sandbox of chess innovations, and we will continue adding features that make chess a spectator sport.”

Andrey Insarov, Chief Executive Officer at it.com Domains, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the recently concluded Armageddon Championship Series 2023: “We are delighted to have witnessed the remarkable fusion of intelligence and skill in the Armageddon Series. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the deserving winner for their truly outstanding performance. It was an incredible spectacle! At it.com Domains, we are genuinely excited about our meaningful partnership with World Chess and our role in supporting this prestigious sport.”

Mark Your Calendars:

The inaugural season of Armageddon has left us hungry for more. Chess fans worldwide are encouraged to mark their calendars for the return of Armageddon in 2024.

Relive the Action:

For those who missed the heart-pounding action or wish to delve deeper into the competition, exclusive interviews, and highlights, World Chess invites you to visit their official YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theworldchess/streams.

Leading partners supporting the Armageddon Championship Series:
The it.com Domains as the Official Partner;
FIDE Online Arena as the Official Gaming Platform;
Kaspersky as the Official Cybersecurity Partner.

The Armageddon Championship Series 2023, a chess tournament designed for live TV broadcast, returns for its thrilling final stage. From September 14 to September 20, top-tier chess players, including Wesley So, Sam Shankland, Gukesh D, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Bibisara Assaubayeva, Humpy Koneru, Richard Rapport, and Jan-Krzysztof Duda, will converge for a seven-day, double-elimination showdown under intense time pressure, all vying for the coveted Armageddon Championship Title and a substantial prize fund of €200,000.

Sam Shankland, Gukesh D and Bibisara Assaubayeva at the technical meeting and opening event at the World Chess Club Berlin | photos: Max Avdeev

Starting with America’s Week in March and followed by Asia and Oceania, Women’s Week, and then the Europe and Africa Series, every match has been filled with nail-biting intensity, measured by live heartbeats and calorie burn levels, culminating in the apocalyptic Grand Finale in September.

As qualifiers, the Grand Finale will be hosted in the Armageddon Studio in Berlin, designed to captivate fans beyond the traditional chess audience. With its high-stakes, super-fast game structure, pioneering design, nail-biting drama, sky-high heart rates, and rule-breaking moves, Armageddon is set to redefine the world of chess once again. These technical innovations make it easy for fans with almost no chess background to follow the games and support their favorite players.

Spectators will witness daily matchups consisting of two blitz games (3+2). In case of a tie, the gripping tension will be resolved through an Armageddon game, granting white five minutes and black four minutes to make their moves. This format guarantees heart-pounding drama.

The Armageddon Championship Series: Grand Finale boasts an unprecedented prize fund that underscores the significance of this chess event, with remarkable rewards for participants: 1st place – €80,000, 2nd place – €40,000, 3rd-4th places – €20,000 each, and 5th-8th places – €10,000 each.

To catch all the live action with lightning-fast moves and cutting-edge analysis provided by GM Simon Williams and WGM Jovanka Houska, tune in to the World Chess YouTube channel or any of the 17 global television channels.

For the first few days, the players were divided into pairs as follows:

Day 1:
Gukesh D vs. Wesley So
Jan-Krzysztof Duda vs. Sam Shankland

Link to the broadcast of Day 1

Day 2:
Nodirbek Abdusattorov vs. Richard Rapport
Humpy Koneru vs. Bibisara Assaubayeva

The pairings on the upcoming days will be established using the double-elimination system and will be determined by the results of the previous days.

Leading partners supporting the Armageddon Championship Series:

It.com as the Official Partner
FIDE Online Arena as the Official Gaming Platform
Kaspersky as the Official Cybersecurity Partner

Day 1 Armageddon Grand Finale

The Armageddon Championship Series Finale is set to start in Berlin, Germany. An eventful year of chess rounds up with the most exciting format of them all — Armageddon. Taking place from September 14th to 20th, this high-stakes series will be broadcast across a network of 17 international television channels, making it an event of unparalleled magnitude.

Top-tier chess players, including luminaries such as Wesley So, Sam Shankland, Gukesh D, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Bibisara Assaubayeva, Humpy Koneru, Richard Rapport, and Jan-Krzysztof Duda, will converge for a seven-day, double-elimination showdown under intense time pressure. The ultimate goal: to secure the coveted Armageddon Championship Title and a substantial €200,000 prize fund.

The journey to the Grand Finale has been marked by hard-fought victories in regional qualifiers and the special Women’s Week. Spectators will be witnessing the action featuring daily matchups consisting of two blitz games (with a three-minute base time and a two-second move increment). In the event of a deadlock, the gripping tension will be resolved through an Armageddon game, wherein White has five minutes and Black has four minutes to make their moves – a format that promises heart-stopping drama.

The Armageddon Championship Series: Grand Finale boasts an unprecedented prize fund that underscores the significance of this chess event, with remarkable rewards for participants: 1st place – 80,000 EUR, 2nd place – 40,000 EUR, 3rd-4th places – 20,000 EUR each, and 5th-8th places – 10,000 EUR each.

An electrifying experience is guaranteed for viewers of the Grand Finale, complete with thrilling battles between women and men, and an array of captivating features. These include real-time tracking of players’ heart rates and expended calories, alongside lightning-fast moves and cutting-edge analysis from GM Simon Williams and WGM Jovanka Houska.

To catch the action, tune in to the World Chess YouTube channel or any of the 17 global television platforms.

For the first few days, the players were divided into pairs as follows:

Day 1:

Gukesh D — Wesley So
Jan-Krzysztof Duda — Sam Shankland

Day 2:

Nodirbek Abdusattorov — Richard Rapport
Humpy Koneru — Bibisara Assaubayeva

The pairings on the upcoming days will be established using the double-elimination system and will be determined by the results of the previous days.

Ilya Merenzon, CEO of World Chess, shared his excitement, stating, “The Armageddon Series reaches its peak. The best male and female chess players will face each other and test themselves under immense time pressure for €200,000 and the Armageddon Championship title. We anticipate thrilling matches and drama akin to a Netflix series, and we invite the audience to immerse themselves in the Armageddon experience and passionately support their favorite players!”

Sandro Cisco, Head of Global Partnerships and Sponsorships at Kaspersky, added: “As steadfast cybersecurity partners of World Chess events, we proudly endorse the innovative Armageddon Championship Series 2023. The Grand Finale is coming, during which the most prominent chess players will face off in a battle where their ability to react quickly and cope with new challenges will be a decisive step on their path towards victory. Swift adaptability and the ability to meet new challenges are the core which these outstanding players share with Kaspersky experts. Chess and cybersecurity both represent the epitome of human intellect, infused knowledge and experience. We are confident this event will provide all the players and viewers with an unforgettable experience, unveiling novel perspectives on the enchanting game of chess.”

Leading partners supporting the Armageddon Championship Series:
Kaspersky as the Official Cybersecurity Partner;
FIDE Online Arena as the Official Gaming Platform;
It.com as the Official Partner.

World Chess plc (LSE: CHSS), a leading chess organisation seeking to promote the mass market appeal of chess globally through the offering of different chess-related activities, is pleased to announce that it has signed a three-year partnership agreement (the “Agreement”) with ITcom Domains LTD (‘it.com’) for its Armageddon Series. World Chess will receive more than €1.2 million over the course of the Agreement, aimed at opening the world of chess to wider audiences and supporting the chess community.

Photo: World Chess

it.com is an international domain name registry, offering third-level domain names under the it.com zone. It will become the official sponsor of Armageddon, World Chess’ fresh new twist to the traditional and timeless game, whereby players compete in a global chess series under immense time pressure. The series has daily matches consisting of two blitz games (three minutes plus a two-second move increment) and, if necessary, an Armageddon game (five minutes for White, four for Black). The 2023 Armageddon series is currently underway and being broadcasted on 17 television channels worldwide, with the Grand Finale week set to commence on 14 September 2023 at the World Chess Club Berlin.

As part of the partnership, it.com will receive logo placement in the playing zone of the series as well as on the players’ uniforms. It will also gain access to broadcasting and video content and be included in digital integration. Furthermore, it.com and World Chess plan to jointly develop services for both physical and online chess clubs that will be introduced later this year, to help popularise the game.

Ilya Merenzon, Chief Executive Officer of World Chess, said:

“We are delighted to partner with it.com Domains and are proud to name them as our official sponsor of the Armageddon Series. This collaboration brings together two innovative and forward-thinking organisations with the shared goal of expanding the mass market appeal of chess globally.

‘We are excited to continue revolutionising the chess landscape alongside it.com over the coming years, who through this partnership will not only contribute to the development of World Chess but also create a truly unique experience for world chess customers through its impressive international domain registry.’

Andrew Insarov, Chief Executive Officer of it.com, said:

‘Chess has been hugely popular among the IT community and we are happy to support the sport, especially the Armageddon Championship Series as it’s one of the most entertaining formats out there. This partnership allows us to raise awareness of it.com domains whilst enjoying chess, the game we love so much!’

GM Richard Rapport emerged victorious in the Armageddon Championship Series, dominating the world’s top players and winning the Europe & Africa qualifier. This victory secured his spot in the Grand Finale in September, where he will be joined by the tournament’s runner-up, GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda. Alongside a formidable lineup of finalists including Wesley So, Sam Shankland, Gukesh D, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Bibisara Assaubayeva, and Humpy Koneru, they will compete for the coveted prize of €200,000.

Photo: Max Avdeev

The Armageddon Championship Series is not a typical chess tournament with its awe-inspiring visuals, intense time pressure, nerve-wracking drama, and soaring heart rates. With esteemed players such as Michael Adams (England), Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (France), Richard Rapport (Romania), Jan-Krzysztof Duda (Poland), Jorden van Foreest (Netherlands), Vincent Keymer (Germany), Matthias Bluebaum, and Alexander Donchenko, this competition has captivated chess enthusiasts worldwide, embarking on an exhilarating journey.

As one of the most spectacular and widely broadcasted chess events of the year, the Armageddon Championship Series is live-streamed on over 18 online and TV platforms. Exciting moments from the tournament will be featured globally on networks like CNBC, BeIN Sports, and FOX Australia. The integration of technological advancements, such as real-time heart rate monitoring, has sparked significant interest in the chess community over the past week.
World Chess, an innovative chess company, has taken a unique approach to showcasing the Armageddon Championship Series. Their stunning bespoke studio set places the players at the heart of the action, deviating from traditional presentations and revealing chess as a dynamic, modern, and thrilling sport. The Armageddon Championship Series is redefining the visuals for the next generation of chess.

The Grand Finale of the tournament will be held from September 14th to 20th, following the same dramatic format and intense time pressure as the previous events. Chess enthusiasts can catch all the exciting action and highlights on World Chess’s official YouTube channel.

Interesting facts about the highest heart rates:
— Richard Rapport recorded a heart rate of 175 bpm.
— Michael Adams recorded a heart rate of 118 bpm.
— Maxime Vachier-Lagrave recorded a heart rate of 139 bpm.
— Jan-Krzysztof Duda recorded a heart rate of 152 bpm.
— Jorden van Foreest recorded a heart rate of 172 bpm.
— Vincent Keymer recorded a heart rate of 165 bpm.
— Matthias Bluebaum recorded a heart rate of 149 bpm.
— Alexander Donchenko recorded a heart rate of 133 bpm.

World Chess Plc (LSE: CHSS), a leading chess organisation seeking to promote the mass market appeal of chess globally through the commercial offering of different chess-related activities, continues its Armageddon Championship Series with Europe and Africa week. Kickstarting on June 12, the high-stakes event will follow the same dramatic format and immense time pressure constraints as the previous Armageddon events.

World Chess launched the Armageddon Championship in March 2023, bringing a fresh new twist to this traditional and timeless game. The series has daily matches consisting of two blitz games (three minutes plus a two-second move increment) and, if necessary, an Armageddon game (five minutes for White, four for Black). So far, the championship has hosted the Americas, Asia and Oceania and Women’s Week. The Europe and Africa week will be the penultimate leg of the series before the Grand Finale which will be streamed on international television in September.

The start of the tournament will feature eight players from Europe & Africa region, including Michael Adams from England. Michael became a chess grandmaster at seventeen, is a seven-time British Chess Champion and holds the highest achieved chess player rating of anyone in England.

In addition to this, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (France), Richard Rapport (Romania), Jan-Krzysztof Duda (Poland), Jorden van Foreest (Netherlands), Vincent Keymer (Germany), as well as Matthias Bluebaum (Germany) and Alexander Donchenko (Germany), both of whom successfully qualified online, will also be competing. This collection of Individuals will battle it out in a double-elimination format, with daily matches consisting of two blitz games with the potential for an additional Armageddon game if a victory does not emerge.

The winner and runner-up will join an exciting line-up of finalists in the Grand Finale to be held at World Chess’ newly opened Chess Club in Berlin, where they will compete for the total prize of €200,000. The tournament will follow a dramatic format, with the players’ real-time heartbeat and calories burnt displayed alongside immense time controls and breakneck moves all adding to the excitement.

The Armageddon series is being broadcast on 17 television channels worldwide, as well as World Chess’ official YouTube channel, with expert commentary and analysis provided by Grandmaster Simon Williams and International Master Jovanka Houska every day at 19:00 CEST.

Ilya Merenzon, Chief Executive Officer of World Chess, said: “It has been fantastic to watch the global accumulation of chess players come together to compete in the Armageddon series. As we now head towards the Grand Finale it has been a real joy to watch the fast-paced matches between chess players of different experiences, playing styles and nationalities.

‘The series has created an atmosphere of suspense and excitement and highlighted the benefits of embracing innovative formats such as Armageddon, enabling top-level chess to entice a broader audience and ignite greater passion amongst fans.

‘We offer our best wishes to all the players and are excited to get Europe and Africa Week of the Armageddon Championship underway.’

World Chess Plc (LSE: CHSS), a leading chess organisation seeking to promote the mass market appeal of chess globally through the commercial offering of different chess-related activities, is pleased to announce that World Chess Club Berlin (the “Club”) has now officially opened.

Visitors to the World Chess Club Berlin play a game at the upstairs tournament area. The club features a piazza, a coffee shop, a sophisticated bar, and more.

The opening marks the launch of World Chess’ ambitions to reinvent the chess club culture in its entirety. The aim is to modernise the concept to fit more readily into mainstream society and function more as a social and collaborative centre. World Chess sees Berlin as an obvious location to debut this new and revised approach, given the cumulative factors of the substantial popularity of chess within Germany, and its vibrant café and bar scene.

The Club is located in the centre of the city on the popular street of Unter Den Linden, which starkly contrasts traditional chess clubs that have lately functioned out of multipurpose rooms. It will operate as a bar, event space, concept chess shop, coffee shop, and café and is hoped to set a new standard for the whole industry.

World Chess Club Berlin will also act as a hub, hosting chess events for the respective city as well as the rest of Europe. In addition, it will operate as the Armageddon Chess Series’ headquarters, with the 2023 series already being staged and filmed from its bespoke, purpose-built studio.

As the Berlin Club is part of the World Chess ecosystem, members of the FIDE Online Arena will get additional discounts and member-only access to a limited number of events. In keeping with World Chess’ aim to grow the sport and encourage people from all backgrounds, the Club is open to all with no need for a membership.

The Club will not only operate as a symbolically significant space for the chess community but is also visually captivating, standing to act as a physical landmark for the sport going forward. World Chess believes this is only the beginning of the chess club renaissance and intends to open further clubs around the world in the future.

Ilya Merenzon, Chief Executive Officer of World Chess, said:

“To date, chess has suffered from a lack of dedicated clubs and those that do exist are often very traditional, which can be intimidating for many. We wanted to build a club that is a symbolically significant space for the chess community, for both those living in and visiting Berlin.

‘Whilst technology has allowed the sport to grow virtually, we are also seeing a growing trend of people wanting to meet and play together, so we want to help facilitate and promote this immensely important social component through the Berlin Club.

‘The new club will play an important role in helping to bring chess out of the traditional stereotype and back into the modern world so that it can be shared and appreciated by all. The process of opening the World Chess Club Berlin has been very rewarding and we cannot wait to continue revolutionising chess clubs across the world in the future. Please do stop by if you are ever in Berlin and do let us know if you have a suggestion as to which city we should open our next club in!’

In Berlin, Germany, on May 14, 2023, the Armageddon Championship Series witnessed a victory by 19-year-old Bibisara Assaubayeva from Kazakhstan, who bulldozed over the world champions to win the Women’s Week. This victory secured her a place in the Grand Finale in September, alongside the tournament’s runner-up, Indian Grandmaster Humpy Koneru. Together, they will join an exciting line-up of finalists, including Wesley So, Sam Shankland, Gukesh D, and Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and compete for the main prize of €200,000.

The Armageddon Championship Series is set apart from typical chess tournaments by stunning visuals, colossal time pressure, nail-biting drama, and sky-high heart rates (yes, we measure it!) across six games. With a roster of top players like Gunay Mammadzada, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Alina Kashlinskaya, Sara Khadem, Nana Dzagnidze, and Elisabeth Paehtz, this competition has become a thrilling journey for chess fans worldwide.

This tournament has become one of the most attractive and widely televised chess events of the year, with live broadcasts on over 17 online and TV platforms. Highlights from the Armageddon Championship Series will be showcased worldwide on esteemed networks like CNBC, BeIN Sports, and FOX Australia. Technological innovations, such as real-time heart rate monitoring, have generated much buzz in the world of chess in the past week.

World Chess, an innovative chess company, has taken a unique approach to presenting the Armageddon Championship Series, utilizing a striking bespoke studio set that places players at the center of the game. This departure from traditional presentations showcases chess as a dynamic, modern, and thrillingly dramatic sport. Chess has been at the forefront of cutting-edge aesthetics for over a century, and the Armageddon Championship Series has the potential to redefine the next generation of visuals.

The next stage of the tournament will feature eight players from Europe & Africa region, including Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (France), Richard Rapport (Romania), Jan-Krzysztof Duda (Poland), Michael Adams (England), Vincent Keymer (Germany), Jorden van Foreest (Netherlands), as well as Matthias Bluebaum (Germany) and Alexander Donchenko (Germany), who qualified online. This high-stakes event will take place from June 12th-18th, following the same dramatic format and immense time pressure as the previous events. Chess fans can catch all the action and highlights on World Chess’s official YouTube channel.

Interesting facts about the highest heart rates:
— Bibisara Assaubayeva on May 9 recorded a heart rate of 155 bpm.
— Nana Dzagnidze on May 9 recorded a heart rate of 105 bpm.
— Sara Khadem on May 10 recorded a heart rate of 154 bpm.
— Alexandra Kosteniuk on May 9 recorded a heart rate of 158 bpm.
— Elisabeth Paehtz on May 12 recorded a heart rate of 143 bpm.
— Alina Kashlinskaya on May 12 recorded a heart rate of 163 bpm.
— Gunay Mammadzada on May 14 recorded a heart rate of 173 bpm.
— Humpy Koneru on May 11 recorded a heart rate of 165 bpm.