Carlsen set to headline new elite chess event in Barcelona

File photo: Magnus Carlsen will headline a field of eight at the inaugural edition of the Move Cup. | Photo Credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN

Chess is going to have a new elite tournament. The inaugural edition of the Move Cup, organised by Betby, will be held in Barcelona on January 19 and 20.

The tournament carries a prize fund of 300,000 Euros and it will be matched by the same amount for charity by the Move Foundation. The format will be rapid chess and the World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen will headline the field of eight.

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“I’m looking forward to returning to Barcelona,” said Carlsen. “The city has a real feel for chess. Rapid is a format where every game can turn in a moment, which makes it exciting to play and to watch. I also like the fact that the prize fund is matched for the Move Foundation, and it will help the growth of the game and young players.”

Leonid Pertsovskiy, CEO and co-founder of Betby, said chess was a game of clear thinking, analysis, patience and resilience. “After the successful chess event during ICE Barcelona 2026, we wanted to bring the world’s best players back to this city for something bigger and more ambitious,” he said. “The Move Cup is that step. The ambition of the Move Cup is to become a regular event on the global chess calendar.”