#London #UK #Algorand Foundation #World Chess #Chess Passport

New Blockchain-Based System in Chess

World Chess, along with the Algorand Foundation, has taken a monumental step toward revolutionizing how players manage their identities in the chess world by proposing a unique concept dubbed the 'chess passport.' This innovative idea was outlined in a whitepaper released earlier today, aiming to establish a secure, private, and verifiable credentials system across global chess organizations by leveraging blockchain technology.

The interest in chess has surged recently, with the advent of popular television shows on platforms like Netflix and BBC, the crowning of the youngest world chess champion in history, and chess's debut at the Esports World Cup later this year. These positive trends highlight the necessity for a system that accommodates this growth by simplifying how players interact within the chess community.

What is the Chess Passport?

The proposed chess passport will allow chess players to manage their identity and credentials independently across multiple platforms with a single decentralized ID and login credential. This means players can easily transfer their identity, achievements, match records, rankings, and rewards between various online platforms. Importantly, it also facilitates a seamless transition from the virtual arena to physical competitions and tournaments. The chess passport addresses barriers that many players face today, enabling them to prove their identity regardless of their status or available documentation. The initiative is expected to speed up the tournament application process significantly, encouraging more participation in chess competitions.

Moreover, this global system paves the way for chess organizations to invite a broader pool of participants to their events, including those who have carved out a place in the chess ecosystem solely through online play.

Enhancing Fair Play and Security

As chess maintains its trajectory towards e-sports and more integral online competitions, concerns around fair play have escalated, especially with the growing risk of AI-assisted cheating and player impersonation. The verification of player integrity is paramount. The chess passport will allow organizers to check if players have faced bans for cheating on other platforms without compromising player privacy. The system assures that data is only accessible to confirm eligibility while safeguarding sensitive information.

This initiative addresses growing security issues such as phishing attacks targeting players’ winnings. By accurately confirming winners before payout, participants can be confident that only rightful winners can access their prize funds, fortifying the integrity of chess tournaments further.

Quotes from Industry Leaders

Ilya Merenzon, CEO of World Chess, emphasized the importance of this initiative, comparing it to a global e-version of a driver's license for chess. He stated, "It's a global game, and using blockchain for a universally accepted verifiable ID will offer significant advantages for both players and organizers."

Bruno Martins, the principal architect at the Algorand Foundation and co-author of the whitepaper, noted, "This initiative is not just about chess; it's about the future of fair play and verifiable achievements across all sports and esports. Chess has a rich history of embracing new technologies, demonstrating how integrity, privacy, and the portability of competitive records can benefit every player around the world."

The Future of Esports

As the esports industry rapidly expands, Statista predicts that by 2025, the market could be worth $4.8 billion, with nearly 900 million gamers participating by 2029. Implementing an efficient cross-platform registration system for both online and in-person competitions is key to realizing the potential of this growing community.

To dive deeper into this revolutionary initiative, you can find the full whitepaper and further details on how to contribute on the official Chess and Algorand websites. Participants interested in this transformative project are encouraged to reach out to [email protected].

About World Chess

World Chess, traded on the London Stock Exchange as LSE CHSS, stands as a premier chess gaming company and an official commercial partner of the Fédération Internationale des Échecs ('FIDE'). They aim to modernize the chess experience through innovative platforms and partnerships.

About Algorand Foundation

The Algorand Foundation is dedicated to fostering an ecosystem based on integrity and innovation. Established in 2019, it provides essential support for developers and entrepreneurs, ensuring the robust growth of its blockchain technology aimed at significant global challenges. More information can be found at algorand.co.