World Chess unveils plans to checkmate fake players and cheats

John E. Kaye
- Published
- News

Chess bosses have unveiled plans for a new digital ID system designed to crack down on cheats, fake players and prize money scams in the world’s fastest-growing competitive online sport
The proposed “global chess passport” — a blockchain-based digital credential — would give players a verified identity they can carry between platforms, tournaments and federations, helping organisers weed out banned players, imposters and online fraud.
The scheme has been launched by World Chess and the Algorand Foundation, who say it’s time the game caught up with its booming popularity.
With AI-assisted cheating on the rise in online games, the passport would let organisers check a player’s record across multiple platforms, including any bans or disciplinary issues.
The system would also let players prove who they are — and what they’ve achieved — without handing over sensitive documents like passports, and would make it far harder for tricksters to hijack tournament entries or winnings.
It comes at a time when global interest in chess is at an all-time high — fuelled by hit Netflix and BBC dramas, the 2024 crowning of the youngest-ever world champion, and chess’s debut this year in the Esports World Cup.
According to World Chess, the passport will level the playing field for everyone involved in the sport, from grassroots players and streamers to those who’ve built a career in online chess but struggle to join official tournaments due to red tape or lack of paperwork.
Its CEO Ilya Merenzon said: “Chess needs its version of a global e-driver’s licence.
“It’s a global game, and having one universal, independently verified ID is something players and organisers will definitely benefit from.”
The plan is outlined in a whitepaper released today by World Chess and Algorand, with input from Grandmaster Evgenij Miroshnichenko.
Bruno Martins of the Algorand Foundation, which supports the development and adoption of secure blockchain solutions, added: “This initiative is not just about chess; it’s about the future of fair play and verifiable achievement across all sports and esports.
“Chess has a rich history of proving the usefulness of new technologies. In this case, World Chess is showing the integrity, privacy, and portability of records in any competitive arena is not only possible – it’s in the best interest of every player, everywhere.”
The global chess market, including online platforms and competitions, is at an all time high, according to figures.
Analysts at Statista forecast the wider esports sector, which includes chess, will reach $4.8 billion by 2025, with nearly 900 million players by 2029.
Backers of the chess passport say the system could eventually roll out to other sports and esports facing similar integrity problems.
Photo: SK/Pexels
Sign up to The European Newsletter
RECENT ARTICLES
-
Mergers and partnerships drive Africa’s mining boom – but experts warn on long-term resilience
-
New AI breakthrough promises to end ‘drift’ that costs the world trillions
-
Europe tightens grip on strategic space data as dependence on U.S tech comes under scrutiny
-
Trinity Business School study warns conspiracy theories are fueling real-world protest and sabotage
-
GITEX GLOBAL 2025 to spotlight AI’s expanding role in future-critical sectors
-
UK organisations show rising net zero ambition despite financial pressures, new survey finds
-
HumanX to establish permanent European base with 2026 Amsterdam AI summit
-
Gulf ESG efforts fail to link profit with sustainability, study shows
-
Glastonbury and Coachella set the stage for $400bn music tourism growth
-
Geopolitical volatility enters global top ten business risks for first time, new survey finds
-
Redress and UN network call for fashion industry to meet sustainability goals
-
Dar Global unveils $1bn Trump Plaza Jeddah in second Saudi venture with Trump Organization
-
Investors eye UAE as Belt and Road real estate gateway for Asia
-
Mitsubishi Estate’s £800m South Bank scheme to deliver 4,000 jobs
-
Watch: driverless electric lorry makes history with world’s first border crossing
-
Bologna sets pace in Europe’s tech race with record investor–founder meetings
-
Family-owned firms resist board diversity gains despite gender quotas, study finds
-
UK start-up founders defy stereotypes with corporate roots and regional spread
-
London Law Expo 2025 to tackle leadership, AI and integrity in the legal sector
-
Sustainability skills surge in European boardrooms, EY finds
-
UK and U.S unveil landmark tech pact with £250bn investment surge
-
International Cyber Expo to return to London with global focus on digital security
-
Cybersecurity talent crunch drives double-digit pay rises as UK firms count cost of breaches
-
Trinity Business School strengthens standing in global MBA rankings
-
UK backs satellite-AI projects to tackle climate and transport challenges