29 May 2024

World Chess Plc

("World Chess" or the "Company")

World Chess Launches Chess News Programme Across Major TV Stations Worldwide

World Chess (LSE: CHSS), a leading chess organisation committed to enhancing the global mass market appeal of chess by introducing a variety of innovative chess-related activities, is pleased to announce the launch of its new television programme which will be broadcast on major TV stations globally.

Scheduled to air from September 2024 to July 2025, this innovative chess news programme aims to enhance the way chess is presented on television, transforming it into a compelling and mainstream TV sport. The new series will consist of ten episodes, each approximately 30 minutes long. Produced in collaboration with sports-focused TV production company Sunset+Vine, the programmes will feature content that addresses major issues in the world of chess, including cheating, gender equality, politics and scandals, as well as coverage of major events. This comprehensive approach makes the series unprecedented in its scope and ambition.

In addition to high-quality production, the programme already has a Presenting Rights Sponsor in World Chess' long-standing collaborator, it.com Domains. This launch is the next strategic step between World Chess and it.com Domains, aimed at opening the world of chess to wider audiences and supporting the community of this intelligent sport.

Ilya Merenzon, Chief Executive Officer of World Chess, commented: "We are excited to launch this new TV programme at a time when chess is experiencing a global boom.

"Our goal is to bring the excitement, drama, and strategic depth of chess to a wider audience. With the expertise of Sunset+Vine, this TV series will not only entertain but also educate and inspire viewers around the world.

"Following the successes of our Armageddon Series, which we launched in 2023 across major TV channels including Bloomberg and MSNBC, we are excited to continue innovating and expanding the reach of chess, using our new TV series to recognise and celebrate this competitive sport."

Peter Angell, Chief Executive Officer of Sunset+Vine, stated:

"We are proud to partner with World Chess on this innovative project. Our team is committed to showcasing the intensity and intrigue of chess, making it accessible and engaging for a global audience."

Andrey Insarov, Chief Executive Officer of it.com Domains, added:

"This groundbreaking partnership between World Chess, Sunset+Vine, and it.com Domains is more than just a television programme, it's a strategic move to elevate chess from a niche interest to a mainstream phenomenon. Chess is transcending the board to become a spectator sport appealing to all ages and backgrounds. As  long-time supporters of the chess community, it.com Domains is proud to partner in popularising chess through innovative content that entertains while educating viewers on the profound strategies at play."

For more information, please visit https://worldchess.com/investors or contact:

 
 Notes to Editors

About World Chess Plc

World Chess (LSE: CHSS) is a London-based chess gaming and entertainment company and Fédération Internationale des Échecs ('FIDE') official commercial partner. World Chess organised the FIDE Championship Matches in the USA, and the UK, and revolutionised the sport by signing the biggest media partnerships in history. World Chess develops Armageddon, the chess league for prime-time television. World Chess also runs FIDE Online Arena, the exclusive official chess gaming platform. More at worldchess.com.

About it.com Domains

The company, it.com Domains, is a domain registry, providing the domains like *.it.com e.g. yourname.it.com. It is a subsidiary of UK-based Intis Telecom, which acquired the .it.com domain in 2021.

Intis Telecom is a global company that has been operating in areas of telecommunications and technology for over 14 years, with an outreach to over 180 countries. In addition to it.com Domains, the company has a cloud-based business messaging platform and also offers a free link shortening service called Cli.co. Intis Telecom is a member of the GSMA, the Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF), RIPE and has ICANN accreditation.

About Sunset+Vine

Sunset+Vine is a leading UK production company providing a range of services from host broadcast, programme production, content, digital and social and distribution services to a wide range of UK and international clients. Sunset+Vine has offices in London, Glasgow, Cardiff, Milan and Singapore.