The World Chess Championship in Singapore Is Played on the Official Set Defining Chess for Over a Decade

As the world watches the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship unfold in Singapore, an unsung yet vital player is at the center of every match: the Official World Chess Championship Set. For over a decade, this iconic design has defined the highest level of chess, becoming as synonymous with the championship as the players themselves.

Originally designed in 2013 by renowned architect Daniel Weil of Pentagram, the set was commissioned by World Chess to modernize chess aesthetics while preserving its heritage. Weil’s design took inspiration from the traditional Staunton pieces, adding clean, geometric precision that reflects the focus and intensity of competitive chess. Since its debut, the set has been the exclusive choice for every World Chess Championship and Candidates Tournament, quietly becoming a hallmark of elite competition.

A Decade of Historic Moments

This is the board that witnessed Magnus Carlsen’s dominance, crowned Ding Liren as the first Chinese World Champion, and now supports the moves of Ding and Dommaraju Gukesh as they vie for the ultimate title. With each match, the set further cements its status as a symbol of chess’s most defining moments.

Craftsmanship Meets Legacy

The 2024 edition of the set, used in the Singapore match, is more than a playing field; it’s a collector’s item. Each piece is handmade from fine boxwood, weighted for balance and precision, while the accompanying board features sleek ebony and maple. Every set is individually numbered, adding a layer of exclusivity to its historical significance.

Why It Matters

Chess isn’t just a game—it’s a tradition, a cultural touchstone, and a global language. The Official World Chess Championship Set bridges past and future, tradition and modernity. It’s a design that doesn’t just support the game but elevates it, making every move part of a larger story.

For chess enthusiasts and collectors, owning this set is owning a piece of the sport’s history, a tangible connection to the matches that shape its future. Based on the iconic design, World Chess developed a range of sets that run from around $40 for a plastic set and the board to a limited edition fine wood option that can cost over $1000 but is a collectors’ item that will remain in the family for generations.

View the range of World Chess Sets