The high-drama tournament will shake up chess coverage on TV with state-of-the-art graphics and camera angles

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World Chess has agreed a three-year partnership contract with Sunset+Vine to cover production, distribution, and media consultancy services.

World Chess was founded in 2012, reinventing the chess experience for the modern consumer, particularly via television.

Working with Sunset+Vine to help deliver on this goal, the initial contract period will run from August 2022 to August 2025, with the first key event in the World Chess calendar being the Armageddon Championship Series.

The Armageddon Championship Series is the first chess tournament developed as a high drama sports television production.

The show includes a Blitz speed format, state-of-the art graphics and camera angles.

Each Championship Series also gives six amateurs the opportunity to join the line-up, alongside world-leading players, through online regional cups.

The broadast of the torunament will also make use of biometrics – including competitors’ heartbeat, stress/sweat levels – giving viewers unique access to the players’ emotions live as they take part.

Sarsfield Brolly, head of media partnerships at Sunset+Vine, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to partner with World Chess, and as was proven with the huge international success of the Queen’s Gambit, are thrilled to be part of this new venture in bringing Chess to the modern consumer.”

Ilya Merenzon, CEO of World Chess, added: “Bringing chess on television in an exciting and dramatic format completes the sport’s evaluation into a global phenomenon. World Chess is happy to be at the forefront of this evolution. We are so excited to be a part of this series, both as organizers and as huge chess fans.”

Armageddon Championship Series dates:

Europe and Africa – 6-12 February 2023

America – 6-12 March 2023

Asia and Oceania – 3-9 April 2023

Women’s Weeks – May 8th-14th 2023

GRAND FINALE – 12-18 June 2023