Algorand Blockchain to Capitalize on Twitch's Chess Boom
The Algorand blockchain network will host online chess player ratings data in a boost to result verification.
Key Takeaways
- World Chess data will be recorded to the Algorand network.
- Ratings will be immutable.
- The platform is open to players worldwide.
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As a result of the latest lockdowns, gamers around the world are streaming digital chess matches on platforms like Twitch. Now, Algorand is stepping in to keep players honest.
Algorand Gives Chess a Digital Makeover
FIDE Online Arena will record the official chess ratings and titles data on Algorand’s decentralized blockchain network in real-time, bringing reliability and transparency to the rating system of digital chess.
They will be universally accessible to all other chess platforms and media sites.
With the Algorand protocol removing friction from the existing model, millions of global chess players will have access to transparent reporting of one of the world’s most popular games.
Sean Ford, COO of Algorand, said on the announcement that:
“We are beyond thrilled to partner with FIDE Online Arena and World Chess to bring digital chess ratings onto the Algorand blockchain for the first time. This historic moment brings the blockchain community one step closer to mainstream adoption, as a widely popular competitive game like chess leverages distributed ledger technology to serve as the official record for trust of millions of online chess players and fans.”
Six months after World Chess, the official chess tournament that determines the world champion, announced a hybrid IPO on Algorand, the competition is leveraging the Algorand blockchain further to develop new gaming opportunities for millions of players.
The integration will include rewards and incentives for the chess community.
“It’s exciting to continue bringing innovation to chess,” said Ilya Merenzon, CEO of World Сhess. “The advent of digital games on the internet made chess more popular than before, and now we can’t wait to further explore blockchain innovation for digital chess.”
And Hikaru Nakamura, the world’s top-ranked blitz chess player and five-time U.S. chess champion, would agree. During the pandemic, Nakamura and others have turned to novel means to popularize the sport, most notably the streaming service, Twitch.
Shoutout to the big streamers who've discovered chess. Some do it once or twice, some every single stream. Some are casual visitors to our game, some are becoming obsessed. Streamers like @xQc @BoxBox @voyboy @Papaplatte @Yassuo @nymnion Chess thanks you for all the new fans.
— Hikaru Nakamura (@GMHikaru) May 21, 2020
The Twitch star told Wired, “I’ve always wanted to bring chess to the masses.”
World Chess hosted a virtual game on Jun. 17 where the world’s youngest grandmaster Sergey Karjakin and Turing Award-winning cryptographer and Algorand Founder, Silvio Micali, faced off in a match.
Interested parties can watch the whole match here.
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