Grandmaster from Poland Jan-Krzysztof Duda emerged victorious in the thrilling 2023 Armageddon Championship Series, clinching a remarkable €80,000 prize. Wesley So secured the runner-up position with a commendable €20,000 prize. This championship marks a significant milestone in the world of chess, highlighting the growing importance of short-form chess formats and broadcasting innovations.

Jan-Krzysztof Duda receiving his price on stage

Key Highlights:

Armageddon Championship Series Winner: Duda’s chess brilliance led to his well-deserved championship win, solidifying his position as a formidable chess player on the global stage. He managed to perform the best under enormous pressure.

Diverse Competitors: The grand finale featured a star-studded lineup of chess talents, including Wesley So, Sam Shankland, Gukesh D, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Bibisara Assaubayeva, Humpy Koneru, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, and Richard Rapport. Their intense battles captivated audiences worldwide, with huge interest coming from India, the Philippines, Germany, and the US.

Global Broadcast: The 2023 Armageddon Championship Series became one of the year’s most-watched chess events, reaching audiences through 18 online and TV platforms. Major networks like CNBC, BeIN Sports, Channel 4, and FOX Australia brought the excitement of chess to a global audience.

Modern Presentation: World Chess, the event’s organizing body, unveiled a custom-made studio that redefines chess aesthetics. This innovative approach emphasizes chess as a dynamic, contemporary, and electrifying spectacle, setting the stage for the future of the game. The broadcast featured the players’ heart rates, one of the most talked-about features in the series.

Heart-Pounding Stats:

Wesley So: Recorded a heart rate of 178 bpm during the competition.
Sam Shankland: Registered 129 bpm in heart rate.
Jan-Krzysztof Duda: Maintained a heart rate of 144 bpm.
Nodirbek Abdusattorov: Showcased 145 bpm in heart rate.
Richard Rapport: Recorded 179 bmp in heart rate.
Gukesh D: Achieved a heart rate of 144 bpm.
Humpy Koneru: Maintained 173 bpm in heart rate.
Bibisara Assaubayeva: Registered 145 bpm in heart rate.

Prize Money Stats:

Jan-Krzysztof Duda — 88 000 EUR
Wesley So — 58 000 EUR
Nodirbek Abdusattorov — 28 000 EUR
Richard Rapport — 38 000 EUR
Gukesh D — 28 000 EUR
Sam Shankland — 18 000 EUR
Humpy Koneru — 18 000 EUR
Bibisara Assaubayeva — 28 000 EUR

The Significance of Armageddon in Chess:

The Armageddon format has injected a new dimension of excitement into chess. It challenges players to balance strategy and speed, making it a true test of skill under pressure. This groundbreaking format has captured the imagination of chess enthusiasts worldwide, reinvigorating the game for modern audiences.

Ilya Merenzon, CEO of World Chess, commented, “The Armageddon Championship Series has not only increased engagement but also brought a fresh perspective to chess. We anticipate the next season, where top-tier players will once again go head-to-head in this dynamic format. We also feel that the event is a sandbox of chess innovations, and we will continue adding features that make chess a spectator sport.”

Andrey Insarov, Chief Executive Officer at it.com Domains, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the recently concluded Armageddon Championship Series 2023: “We are delighted to have witnessed the remarkable fusion of intelligence and skill in the Armageddon Series. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the deserving winner for their truly outstanding performance. It was an incredible spectacle! At it.com Domains, we are genuinely excited about our meaningful partnership with World Chess and our role in supporting this prestigious sport.”

Mark Your Calendars:

The inaugural season of Armageddon has left us hungry for more. Chess fans worldwide are encouraged to mark their calendars for the return of Armageddon in 2024.

Relive the Action:

For those who missed the heart-pounding action or wish to delve deeper into the competition, exclusive interviews, and highlights, World Chess invites you to visit their official YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theworldchess/streams.

Leading partners supporting the Armageddon Championship Series:
The it.com Domains as the Official Partner;
FIDE Online Arena as the Official Gaming Platform;
Kaspersky as the Official Cybersecurity Partner.