GGDanmark and the Danish Chess Union have entered a partnership aimed at strengthening chess in Denmark, expanding opportunities for players at all levels, and improving preparation for international competition.
Collaboration Goals and Initiatives
The collaboration focuses on three key areas: adding more online activities and events to the current chess offering, improving conditions for Danish participation in the Esports Nations Cup and other ongoing online tournaments, and finding new ways for fans to follow Danish chess more closely.
Both organizations emphasize that the goal is to support existing chess structures and expertise rather than replace them. This approach is meant to build on more than a century of organized chess in Denmark while linking it with broader esports experience.
As part of the deal, GGDanmark will launch a national online chess tournament held twice a year, in spring and autumn. The four highest-rated Danish players will receive direct invitations to participate. Additionally, another 12 places will be filled through open qualifiers, creating a 16-player field that competes in a Swiss system format. The top eight players will advance to playoffs, culminating each season with an in-person finals event in Denmark.
Chess is one of 16 disciplines in the Esports Nations Cup, a new global esports competition where players represent their countries rather than clubs. The first edition is scheduled for November 2–8, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, organized by the Esports World Cup Foundation. Notably, Jonas Buhl Bjerre has qualified directly to represent Denmark, and Rasmus Svane secured the second Danish place through the first of two open qualifiers, finalizing the national lineup for 2026.
GGDanmark is a Danish esports organization founded by a team with extensive experience across domestic and international esports, including roles connected to leading teams and platforms. Their focus is on online activities, events, and national teams across multiple esports titles. Meanwhile, the Danish Chess Union, founded in 1903, serves as a nationwide body with 142 clubs. It is a member of FIDE, the European Chess Union, and the Nordic Chess Federation, while also collaborating nationally with school chess and mind sports organizations.
This partnership between GGDanmark and the Danish Chess Union signifies a promising future for chess in Denmark, paving the way for innovative initiatives and increased engagement in both traditional chess and the evolving esports landscape.