I do believe that chess could become one of the coolest urban sports events if done right. I know, I know but hear me out: Underground venue, ideally with a second level and a balcony, like the Mojo Club in Hamburg. Spotlight on the board. Dim lighting, a stage for player intros – present them like superstars. DJ, MC doing play-by-play and a big screen showing the board. Bring on Hennessy, Tom Ford and DraftKings as sponsors – not really want to advertise or promote drinking or gambling here, but let‘s be real – they would be a natural fit for this. Chess and Battle Rap are distant relatives, I‘m sure the Wu-Tang Clan would agree. It‘s one on one, competition, strategy, remaining cool and confident. You can‘t tell me that it‘s not weirdly hip hop?
I haven‘t figured out how you would get people to go. I know Magnus Carlsen, I know Garry Kasparov, I watched The Queen’s Gambit and I think, I once played against an old Russian self-proclaimed grandmaster on Times Square in New York City. That‘s probably all I know about chess. But I also know that I‘m not aware of a single person that actually „hates“ chess. And it stands the test of time. So maybe it would have to be local heroes creating a buzz for the events? Maybe high quality video production around the matches and brilliant presentation on social media? Either way, I personally know that I would absolutely love the atmosphere.
I could keep rambling on about this. How the individual pieces could make for merch, how certain plays could turn into trademarks, how player’s mannerisms can become catchphrases… Poker had its moment with Phil Ivey, Darts managed to perfectly blend all cultural elements to build its very own weird and entertaining world. But the fact that FC St. Pauli and Magnus Carlsen joined forces has me convinced that I‘m far from the only one that believes that there is another life for chess.
SONGS OF JUNE 