Carlsen, Nakamura, Anand, and Amin set for epic showdown in Casablanca

World’s top Grandmaster will play rapid trying out the new Casablanca Chess Variant from 18-19 May, 2024

Casablanca Chess Variant: Bridging History and Innovation

The chess world has walked a long way, evolving from the timeless brilliance of past masters to the dynamic landscape of modern play—replete with technology, online matches, engine variations, and meticulous opening preparation. In this digital age, some games unfold seamlessly, their moves orchestrated in advance, leaving little room for creativity at the board. To inspire the spirit of independent thought and strategic creativity, the Casablanca Stock Exchange introduces the groundbreaking Casablanca Chess Variant.

Unveiling the Casablanca Chess Variant

• Starting Positions: The game commences from equal positions inspired by historical gems—some renowned, others less so. Will today’s masters follow the well-trodden paths of their predecessors, or will they choose a new direction?

• Tournament Name: Casablanca Chess, organized by the Casablanca Stock Exchange with Casa Events & Animation and the Royal Moroccan Chess Federation

• Elite Players: Representing four continents, four top players will play rapid games. Grandmasters Laurent Fressinet and Hicham Hamdouchi will choose and unveil surprise starting positions before each game.

◦ Magnus Carlsen: Widely considered the strongest chess player of all time, former World Chess Champion and current world #1, represents Europe.

◦ Hikaru Nakamura: A streaming sensation with millions of devoted fans, the world #3 player, defends the colors of North America.

◦ Viswanathan Anand: The legendary 5-time World Chess Champion, the trailblazer of Indian chess, represents Asia. 

◦ Bassem Amin: Africa’s strongest Grandmaster, numerous times continental champion, plays on home turf.

Casablanca FIDE100

Casablanca Chess is being held in conjunction with the FIDE 100 celebrations as the International Chess Federation marks a century since its foundation. 

This special edition promises to be exceptional, combining the passion for the game with the commemoration of a century of international chess history.

This celebration will host the Torch ceremony, which travels around the world throughout the year. On this occasion, a significant event will be organized at the Parc de la Ligue Arabe, with several enriching activities for the general public, including a Simultaneous exhibition with 100 players.

The series of FIDE100 events will also feature a photo exhibition, „Capture“, a project by photographer Stev Bonhage challenging the conventional perception of chess. From May 17-19, it will be displayed in Casablanca and from May 21-26, it will move to the country capital Rabat.“ Capture“ is sponsored by Freedom Holding Corp. – a U.S.-based financial services company that has been supporting chess events in recent years – as well as the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and France’s energy giant, TotalEnergies.