Betby Powers Elite Chess: MOVE Cup Brings Magnus Carlsen to Barcelona

Chess has evolved from a traditional board game into a powerful platform for the iGaming industry. Sportsbook supplier Betby has officially announced its sponsorship of the MOVE Cup, a newly established elite rapid chess tournament. Set to take place in Barcelona on January 19 and 20, 2027, the event coincides with the ICE Barcelona trade show. This move aims to bridge the gap between strategic athletic thinking and advanced betting technology, showcasing how niche sports can thrive in the modern gambling landscape.

The tournament promises elite competition on a global scale, featuring eight of the world's leading grandmasters. A major draw is the participation of Magnus Carlsen, widely regarded as the greatest chess player of all time and Betby's global brand ambassador. The event utilizes the rapid chess format, which is known for its fast-paced nature and spectator-friendly dynamics. Beyond the competitive aspect, the MOVE Cup emphasizes a strong charitable purpose, supporting both professionals and social initiatives through significant financial backing.

Numbers and facts

The financial scale of the MOVE Cup is impressive for a chess event. A prize fund of 300,000 Euro has been established for the eight participants. In a unique move, this amount is matched by a 300,000 Euro contribution to the MOVE Foundation. This foundation focuses on chess development, nurturing young talent, and conducting research into the intersection of chess and mental health.

The event kicks off on January 18, 2027, with a charity activation at the Betby stand (5K20) during ICE Barcelona. This session will feature a "hand-and-brain" format, where pairs of players cooperate, one selecting the piece and the other making the move. Magnus Carlsen expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the city for this ambitious project.

"I’m looking forward to returning to Barcelona. The city has a real feel for chess. Rapid is a format where every game can turn in a moment, which makes it exciting to play and to watch. I also like the fact that the prize fund is matched for the Move Foundation, and it will help the growth of the game and young players." - Magnus Carlsen, Professional Chess Player and Betby Brand Ambassador

Background

The collaboration between Betby and the chess community is part of a long-term strategic vision. Carlsen first partnered with Betby at ICE Barcelona in 2025, and the relationship deepened in 2026 when the supplier hosted stars like Hikaru Nakamura and Levy Rozman. Leonid Pertsovskiy, CEO and co-founder of Betby, sees clear parallels between chess and the analytical nature of the betting industry.

"Chess is a game of clear thinking, analysis, patience and resilience. After the successful chess event during ICE Barcelona 2026, we wanted to bring the world’s best players back to this city for something bigger and more ambitious. The MOVE Cup is that step. The ambition of the MOVE Cup is to become a regular event on the global chess calendar." - Leonid Pertsovskiy, CEO of Betby

Why it matters for German players

For German bettors, the inclusion of chess in sports betting portfolios is a notable trend, yet it remains subject to strict regulatory oversight. Those wishing to bet legally on chess must ensure the operator is listed on the official whitelist of the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL). The State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) imposes clear limits to protect players and ensure integrity.

Players in Germany are restricted by a monthly deposit limit of 1,000 Euro across all licensed platforms, monitored by the central LUGAS system. Furthermore, while slot machines are subject to a one-euro-per-spin limit, sports betting is governed by specific requirements regarding the types of wagers allowed. Chess betting is currently considered a niche market in Germany but could gain traction through elite events like the MOVE Cup, provided the GGL approves these specific markets as eligible for the German betting program.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For operators of online casinos and sportsbooks holding a German license, the commitment of B2B providers like Betby signifies an expanding range of niche betting markets. Betby provides the underlying technology for these platforms. GGL-licensed operators must verify that every new market complies with German law. While chess is a recognized sport, specific live betting markets must be scrutinized for manipulation risks. Such high-profile sponsorships by tech leaders like Betby increase the pressure on competitors to invest in innovative, intellectually stimulating betting formats to differentiate themselves from the mass football market.