The chess world is abuzz with controversy as a new ‘freestyle’ variant, backed by Hamburg entrepreneur Jan Henric Buettner, threatens to upend traditional rules and potentially disrupt the sport’s elite.
Chess and the Dispute Over ‘Freestyle’
A Billion-Dollar Chess Revolution?
A row is brewing in the world of ‘chess – at the center of it are a disgruntled world federation and a chess variant – with millions on the line.’ Hamburg entrepreneur Jan Henric Buettner has been making a name for himself as a sponsor and investor in the chess scene, inviting top players to his luxury hotel complex on the Baltic Sea for a week.
The Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour: A Makeover for Chess?
Buettner’s newest project is the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, which he claims will produce a ‘chess product for non-chess players.‘ Armed with €20 million in venture capital, Buettner aims to give chess a makeover. The figurehead of the event is former world champion Magnus Carlsen, but current champion Dommaraju Gukesh and Germany‘s No. 1 player Vincent Keymer will also be there.
Freestyle chess is a variant of chess that combines the traditional rules of the game with elements of creativity and strategy.
Players are given a set amount of time to make their moves, but they can also introduce new pieces or modify existing ones using special powers.
This hybrid format allows for greater flexibility and innovation in gameplay, making it appealing to both casual and experienced players.
Freestyle chess has gained popularity online, with many platforms offering tournaments and competitions.
A Dispute Over Rules and Integrity
However, the aspects of the game are not the real focus of the event. ‘Buettner wants to reach a whole new target group, as people aren’t interested in all the rules.’ But the rules have been the subject of much controversy in recent weeks. The world chess federation (FIDE) considers itself responsible for the rules of chess and is concerned with the integrity of the chess world.
Negotiations Break Down
The bone of contention: Buettner’s intention to crown a freestyle world champion at the end of his tournament series. Since the start of the year, the German millionaire had been negotiating with FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich via WhatsApp and contract texts. However, no agreement was reached due to a lack of trust.
Established in 1924, FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) is the governing body of international chess.
With 194 member countries, it promotes and regulates the game worldwide.
FIDE sets rules for tournament play, including time controls, scoring systems, and player eligibility.
The organization also sanctions international tournaments and maintains a world ranking system.
Its headquarters are in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Players Caught in the Middle
For players like ‘Vincent Keymer, the dispute between ‘Freestyle’ and FIDE poses a dilemma.’ The top players want to continue playing for the world title in classical chess, but they also find the new format interesting and a good source of income. Dvorkovich has confirmed that this issue is off the table for 2025.
Random Openings: The Future of Chess?
One thing is certain; ‘the dispute over World Cup rights has brought the previously little-played chess variant ‘Fischer Random’ or freestyle into the spotlight.’ However, some players like Josefine Heinemann don’t believe that this form of chess will attract an audience of millions.
A Billion-Dollar Ambition
Buettner believes that as in Formula 1 motor racing, ‘the audience is more interested in the show than anything else.’ His main vehicle for presenting his series is the Internet, and he said the number of viewers of his streamed content has more than doubled compared to last year’s premiere event.
A Missed Opportunity?
The head of the Berlin Chess Association and eSports expert Paul Meyer-Dunker thinks that FIDE has missed a great opportunity. He believes that freestyle could be such a change that comes from outside, but notes that some change might do the world of chess good.
- dw.com | Chess and the dispute over freestyle
