Magnus Carlsen signs FIDE World Chess Championship Match 2021 contract

by Shahid Ahmed - 23/09/2021

Magnus Carlsen has signed the contract to defend his world title against Ian Nepomniachtchi at FIDE World Chess Championship Match which will take place in Dubai, UAE starting from 24th November. That is not the only announcement there was for the universe this week had about the World no.1. On Tuesday, 21st September, Mastercard announced that the World no.1 has been named Brand Global Ambassador of Mastercard. He joined the all-star lineup of Lionel Messi, Naomi Osaka, Crystal Dunn and Dan Carter. Mastercard also became an official partner of the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour at the same time. Photo: Unibet Norway

Carlsen becomes a Global Brand Ambassador of Mastercard

Magnus Carlsen is currently playing in the 36th European Club Cup 2021 for Offerspill Chess Club in Struga, North Macedonia. He scored 2.5/3 for his team. This will be his last over-the-board tournament before he defends his world championship in November. His last tournament before the world championship defense, will be Meltwater Champions Chess Tour finals which starts on Saturday 25th September 2021.

Carlsen signs the contract for the FIDE World Championship 2021 | Photo: Unibet Norge

The world champion tweeted about the fact that the World Chess Championship match is locked now

Check out the short interview by Unibet, the sponsor of the World Champion.

Mastercard Global Brand Ambassador - Magnus Carlsen | Photo: Mastercard

On the previous day, Tuesday 21st September, it was announced that Magnus Carlsen has been named as the Mastercard Global Brand Ambassador. He joins the all-star lineup of ambassadors - Lionel Messi, Naomi Osaka, Crystal Dunn and Dan Carter.

“Expanding the influence of the game of chess has always been close to my heart. To have Mastercard, which brings people and their passions together in meaningful ways, partner with the Tour is very exciting,” said Carlsen. “Chess has given me so many priceless experiences over the years, and I’m proud to join Mastercard to bring the sport forward to millions of fans around the world.”

Mastercard tweeted the announcement:

What does this mean?

Mastercard is a household brand. It is difficult to find a family where everyone owns a credit or debit card, yet none of them have a Mastercard. The commercials of Mastercard and the tagline of the brand is well-known to everyone: "There are some things money can't buy. For everything else, there's Mastercard". There is already wordplay on Mastercard as GrandMastercard going around everywhere, and it might not be far when we see a Grandmastercard lineup. Carlsen becoming a Global Brand Ambassador means more eyes will be on chess, which means more viewership, increase in demographic, more engagement leading to an eventual increase in prizes and sponsorship too in the cerebral sport.

Mastercard also became Tour partner of Meltwater Champions Chess Tour | Photo: Champions Chess Tour

The World Chess Champion and highest-rated player of all-time is part of a new relationship that sees the Mastercard become an official partner of Meltwater Champions Chess Tour.

Source: Press Release - Mastercard and Champions Chess Tour