The International Chess Federation (FIDE) and Singapore Chess Federation (SCF) have officially announced Google as the Title Sponsor for the FIDE World Chess Championship Singapore 2024, set to take place at Resorts World Sentosa from November 23 to December 15, 2024. This groundbreaking partnership marks the first time a global technology leader has sponsored the prestigious event, setting a new benchmark for the sport's reach and influence on a global scale.
Simon Kahn, Chief Marketing Officer for Asia Pacific at Google, shared his excitement about this collaboration:
"Google is excited to sponsor this historic event. Chess represents a profound intersection of human ingenuity and technological potential, and has always been a proving ground for AI innovation. In fact, some of our earliest AI breakthroughs came from mastering chess as a proof-of-concept. Through Search, YouTube, and AI, we are now delighted to enhance the Championship experience for chess fans globally, celebrating the beauty of this game that continues to inspire and challenge us."
This sponsorship emphasizes Google's long-standing connection to chess, especially through its AI innovations. Notably, Google's AlphaZero, an AI system, made headlines within the chess community by demonstrating exceptional problem-solving capabilities and mastering the game through deep learning.
Emil Sutovsky, CEO of FIDE, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, underscoring its significance for the future of chess:
"FIDE is thrilled to partner with Google, as it becomes the title sponsor of the World Championship Match. It is a milestone for our sport. This collaboration brings a new dimension to the competition, blending the tradition of chess with the innovation of AI. The partnership is set to elevate the visibility of the World Chess Championship, taking the broadcast of the event to the next level and attracting new audiences globally."
Kevin Goh, CEO of SCF, added that Google’s involvement signifies a pivotal moment for chess, not only in Singapore but across the world:
"For Google to be our presenting sponsor for this year's World Championship match is a groundbreaking moment for chess both in Singapore and globally. It is the first time a global technology leader has sponsored the most important chess event. Among many other innovative breakthroughs, Google has, in recent years, captivated the chess community with AlphaZero, its neural networks-inspired chess programme. Chess is all about problem-solving, and we are glad that Google's special focus on deep learning resonates well with the game."
This partnership between FIDE, SCF, and Google heralds a new era for chess, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology. As chess continues its rise in global popularity, the 2024 World Chess Championship promises to deliver an immersive, tech-enhanced experience for fans and players alike. The event will showcase how the evolving relationship between technology and chess continues to push the boundaries of innovation and human creativity, captivating audiences from around the world.
Google's title sponsorship of the FIDE World Chess Championship is expected to enhance the broadcast of the event, extend its global reach, and foster greater engagement with new and existing chess enthusiasts. With a global tech giant backing this prestigious competition, the future of chess seems more intertwined with technology than ever before.
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