LEGACY OF MAGNUS CARLSEN
Magnus Carlsen, the World Chess Champion from 2013 to 2023, introduced a unique competition format specifically for the WEISSENHAUS Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge.
In this context, “G.O.A.T.” in Chess refers to a player who achieved the historically highest peak ELO rating, exemplified by Magnus Carlsen’s rating of 2882.
The objective is to elevate chess into an appealing, intellectually stimulating, and captivating sport for a broader audience, targeting a new demographic of spectators and consumers. The event is hosted at the prestigious WEISSENHAUS Private Nature Luxury Resort, known for hosting the G7 Foreign Minister summit in 2022.
The primary focus of the competition is on showcasing the personalities and extraordinary skills of Super Grandmasters, with Magnus Carlsen himself handpicking seven world-class challengers. This innovative approach aims to attract a younger audience of high-potential individuals who have a general interest in sports, catering to enthusiasts from around the globe.
FORMAT & SETUP
PRELIMINARIES
(February 9 and 10, both from 1 p.m. CET):
- Round robin tournament (each against each)
- Rapid time control: 25 minutes per game + 10 seconds per move
- Tiebreak: 1) direct encounter, 2) number of wins, 3) Sonneborn Berger
- The pairings for the quarter-finals result from the ranking in the round robin: 1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7 etc.
KNOCKOUT
(February 11 to 16, each from 1 p.m. CET):
- Two-game matches in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final
- Standard time control: 90 minutes/40 moves + 30 minutes/rest + 30 seconds/move starting on move 41
- Play-off in the event of a 1:1 tie: two rapid games 15/10, two blitz games 5/2, one Armageddon game
- Armageddon: 5 minutes for White, lower time bid gets Black
- All players remain in the tournament until the end, all places are played out
WEISSENHAUS HOSTS THE INAUGURAL FREESTYLE CHESS G.O.A.T. CHALLENGE IN 2024
WEISSENHAUS Private Nature Luxury Resort, situated in northern Germany, is the exquisite setting for the Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge. This top-tier nature retreat offers an array of exceptional amenities for relaxation, spa indulgence, and culinary delights.
Nestled on a vast 75-hectare (185-acre) expanse along the Baltic Sea, WEISSENHAUS provides guests with a choice of 75 rooms, suites, and villas. The resort’s rich history is exemplified by the presence of a historic castle, 40 charming buildings, five distinct restaurants, and a meticulously reconstructed large barn, topped with a thatched roof. This barn also serves as the headquarters for Big Barn Studios.
Information on booking different packages during the Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge can be found here.
ELEVATING CHESS TO NEW HEIGHTS
Big Barn Studios at WEISSENHAUS is among Europe’s most cutting-edge recording facilities, catering to all music genres. It is impeccably equipped to serve as a broadcast center for global coverage of chess tournaments.
In 2024, the grand stage for the inaugural WEISSENHAUS Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge will be none other than the spacious arena housed within the Big Barn Studios.