Reigning World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen and Chess grandmaster Sergey Karjakin contemplate their moves in the opening game of the 2016 World Chess Championship running from Nov. 11–30 at the newly renovated Fulton Market Building at the Seaport.
BY COLIN MIXSON
The games of kings got the royal treatment at the historic Seaport District beginning on Nov. 11, when the World Chess Championship celebrated its return to the Big Apple following a 20-year hiatus.
Bringing the tournament to the Seaport District’s newly renovated Fulton Market Building was no gambit, but a natural choice for the world-class series of skill, according to the championship’s chief organizer.
“The Seaport District’s prime location in the heart of Lower Manhattan provides a unique opportunity to engage new audiences in this fascinating sport and bring the FIDE Chess Championship back to New York City,” said said Ilya Merenzon, Chief Executive of Agon Limited, which owns World Chess.
The battle between Norwegian Grandmaster and reigning champ Magnus Carlsen, 25, and his 26-year-old Russian challenger Sergey Karjakin will play out over 12 games ending Nov. 30, in a heated struggle that has yielded 4 draws already.
The event kicked off with a posh gala at The Plaza Hotel on Nov. 10, where well-heeled chess fans saw stars in the form of actor Adrian Grenier of “Entourage” fame who hosted the opening ceremony.
The Fulton Market Building has been fitted out into a chess arena for the occasion, featuring luxurious spectator lounges offering views of the Brooklyn Bridge and fine dining options for VIPs.
Actor and chess aficionado Woody Harrelson attended the first day of competition to make the ceremonial first move, and then matched wits with fellow enthusiasts on one of the many chess tables arrayed throughout the venue.
Actor and chess aficionado Woody Harrelson attended the first day of competition to make the ceremonial first move, and then matched wits with fellow enthusiasts on one of the many chess tables arrayed throughout the venue.
The matches are being broadcast live on worldchess.com, and for the first time, are available to view in virtual reality with commentary from grandmasters from across the globe.
“This is going to be the first championship match for the smartphone generation,” said Merenzon.
For the Seaport District — which is undergoing a revitalization that includes the recent opening of the borough’s first iPic Theater in the same building — hosting the World Chess Championship is another step in making the area a world-class cultural destination, according to the vice president of the Howard Hughes Corporation.
“This is a welcome addition to the long-term vision of global programming we will bring to the district as the neighborhood continues to transform into a top entertainment, culture, fashion and culinary destination,” said Saul Scherl.
