Magnus Carlsen to Play BETBY-Backed MOVE Cup in Barcelona

Magnus Carlsen has been confirmed as the first participant in the MOVE Cup, a new rapid chess tournament sponsored by sportsbook technology supplier BETBY.

The five-time world chess champion will compete in Barcelona on January 19-20, 2027, during ICE Barcelona week. Eight grandmasters will take part, with the remaining seven players due to be announced individually in the coming weeks. Carlsen is also BETBY’s global brand ambassador. 

Prize Fund Matched by Charitable Contribution

The tournament will offer €300,000 in prize money, alongside a separate €300,000 contribution to the MOVE Foundation. The nonprofit supports chess development, young players and research into the relationship between chess and mental health.

According to the launch announcement, any additional funds raised during the tournament will be divided equally between the prize pool and the foundation.

Carlsen said he welcomed the matching charitable contribution and looked forward to returning to Barcelona. He also highlighted rapid chess as a format in which games can change quickly, creating interest for players and spectators. 

Charity Event Opens the Programme

The programme begins on January 18 with a charity event at BETBY’s ICE Barcelona stand, 5K20. Leading players, donors and partners will participate in a hand-and-brain format ahead of the main competition.

BETBY chief executive and co-founder Leonid Pertsovskiy said the company wanted to build on its previous chess event in Barcelona and help establish the MOVE Cup as a recurring fixture on the international calendar.

The tournament is being developed for both in-person spectators and online audiences. Organisers plan to provide live commentary through headphones at the venue, with scores displayed on large screens. The competition will conclude with a knockout final and trophy ceremony. 

BETBY previously hosted Carlsen at ICE Barcelona in 2025 and again in 2026, when its chess programme also featured Hikaru Nakamura and Levy Rozman. Their participation in those earlier events does not constitute confirmation for the MOVE Cup lineup.