Players qualify to the Grad Prix series by rating or by being nominated by Agon Ltd, with one addition coming from the Association of Chess Professionals (ACP) or FIDE.

Ilya Merenzon, Chief Executive of World Chess by Agon Limited, said: “The new look Grand Prix series simplifies the previously overcrowded calendar for these events and is designed to increase the commercial footprint of the Championship cycle. The significant change is that now World Chess Championship cycles do not overlap and one begins only after the previous one ends.”

Georgios Makropoulos, FIDE Deputy President, said: “With interest in chess at an all time high, the Grand Prix events will provide a hugely exciting series between the world’s best players that will be watched by an ever-increasing global audience of chess fans.”

Brands will for the first time be able to sponsor the world’s elite chess players as they take part in the Grand Prix series.

The move is part of a range of changes introduced by Agon, the organizer of the World Chess Championship cycle, to make the top echelons of the sport more accessible for corporate sponsors.

Traditionally, chess sponsorship was focused around the host city for World Championship “Grand Prix” events. However, the changes made by Agon mean that brands will be able to select specific players to associate with.

Each sponsor will receive their logo on the player’s jacket, a branded space on worldchess.com and a customised hospitality programme at each Grand Prix event, as well as a range of other benefits.

The cost of a contract for a two-year Grand Prix cycle will be 100,000 euros, of which 20 per cent goes to the player, 15 per cent to the player’s federation and the rest towards organizing costs.

Agon will work with corporate partners and players to create a customised benefits package, which can include above the line advertising opportunities.

The full list of qualified players will be announced by the end of December at www.fide.com.

About FIDE:

The World Chess Federation or Fédération Internationale des Echecs, (FIDE), is recognised by its members and the International Olympic Committee as the international federation in the domain of chess, the supreme body responsible for the sport of chess and its Championships. FIDE has the sole rights to organise the World Chess Championships and the Chess Olympiads.

About Agon Limited:

Agon Limited is the official partner of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) and owner of the World Chess brand as well as commercial rights holder to the FIDE World Chess Championship cycle. The company aims to develop and commercialize chess, create favorable environment for partners, players, and brands, and to significantly expand the broadcast coverage of the sport.