The Asian Chess Federation, Checkmate partner to scale up online competitive chess

Australasian-based VADR Media has announced that Checkmate.live has entered into an exclusive long-term partnership with the Asian Chess Federation (ACF).

The strategic partnership sees Checkmate become ACF’s’ official online tournament platform, data and broadcast partner.

The ACF is the international governing body of chess across the Asian Continent. Its membership comprises 52 national associations across Asia, the Middle East and Oceania. Its headquarters is in Al-Ain, UAE, and its president is Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan.

Meanwhile, Checkmate is a new Web3 initiative by the VADR team focused on producing and broadcasting linear and online tournaments for a new generation of players.

The project is VADR’s second major play in the gaming and esports space with its recent sale of Let’s Play Live, Oceania’s esports tournament platform and linear and online broadcaster, which it launched in 2016.

Al Nahayan commented: “In recent years, the onset of online gaming and internet improvements has enabled greater access globally. The lack of effective integrity measures for online chess has also been a concern for the community hindering greater involvement. The partnership with Checkmate will allow the Asian Chess Federation to deliver competitive online tournaments and increase opportunities for our players. A key determining factor in the decision to partner with Checkmate was their commitment to improving the integrity of online chess and their ability to successfully create a solution that satisfies ACF’s vision for the future. Once launched, ACF will be able to host official online events that are inclusive, equitable and will provide even greater access for our members.”

“We are delighted to have partnered Checkmate with the Asian Chess Federation and are extremely grateful for the support of Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Shakboot Al Nahayan. We all jointly recognise the ability for competitive online chess to connect mates (friends), generations and nations,” said VADR founder and managing director John McRae.

A key focus for the Checkmate team since they started their planning was improving online Chess matches’ integrity. The advent of online play, AI and Chess engines has been a boom for the game, but it has also been a significant barrier to competitive online play due to the misuse of these technologies for cheating.

“We identified the problem of online cheating and its impact on fair play early on and believe we have resolved this issue, although we are realistic that it will be an ongoing battle as players continue to try and game the system. We have achieved this through a mix of proprietary AI exclusive to Checkmate and existing technology, partnerships and the development of a strong integrity programme. As part of its roadmap, Checkmate will be releasing a third-party module for associations, federations and tournament organizers who wish to benefit from these efforts”, said McRae.

Checkmate’s take on chess, the world’s oldest game, will launch in Q1 2023 on the web and mobile.