DAZN will deliver free coverage of the inaugural FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship, taking place in Germany next week.
The event is organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and Freestyle Chess Operations and follows the conclusion of the 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour. A FIDE Women’s Freestyle Chess Championship is planned for late 2026.
Shay Segev, DAZN Group CEO, said: “Freestyle chess is growing fast and attracting a new generation of fans, and DAZN is the ideal partner to help drive that growth. Our platform reaches a global audience that is passionate about innovation in sport, and this Championship fits perfectly with that appetite. DAZN’s global portfolio already includes leading competitions across football, American football, fight sports, motorsport, basketball, and more. Adding the FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship underlines our commitment to backing new tournaments and helping them reach global audiences.”
Jan Henric Buettner, founder and CEO of Freestyle Chess, added: “Chess is one of the most popular games in the world, yet it has long been underserved by the mainstream media. With our innovative and dynamic format, and through the global Freestyle Chess brand, we are redefining how the sport is presented and opening it up to a new, worldwide audience. DAZN’s global reach and deep expertise in sports broadcasting make it the ideal partner, and we are thrilled to deepen our partnership by bringing the inaugural FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship to fans around the world.”
