NFT trophy awarded to Chess grandmaster after winning tournament

A nonfungible token (NFT) trophy has been awarded to grandmaster Magnus Carlsen for winning the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour (MCCT). Although this is the very first time in the rich history of chess, that such an award is being given out, but according to the international chess tournament, MCCT’s main aim for minting a number of NFT trophies alongside other collectibles, is to preserve the most defining moments of the game.

In an interview with the Cointelegraph, just after emerging as the winner of the competition, Carlsen expressed his satisfaction with the crypto ecosystem and also shared his appreciation for the kind of support that the ecosystem is giving to virtual chess tournaments. The chess champion then further cites an example, recalling a recent partnership between MCCT and FTX crypto exchange. That partnership would see to it that professional chess players can compete for a prize fund of 2.1825 Bitcoin (BTC) ($81,079).

Carlsen further talked about how NFTs are helping the chess community celebrate great moments, and not only that, but also help, in rewarding those who have invested so much time and effort into the game’s growth.

Meanwhile Chess Champs has already minted two look-alike editions of the Champion’s Trophy NFT on the Ethereum blockchain. Although, both have been digitally signed by Carlsen after winning the competition, but the second NFT trophy has now been auctioned off to a fan at 6.88 ETH, which is about $24,700 at the time of purchase.

Speaking about the auction, Carlsen expressed his feeling of great pleasure being able to share the trophy with a passionate fan. He further added that it would be nice and interesting getting to play a match with him and then even meeting up with him in the next season’s Champions Chess Tour Final.

The collectibles are including various NFTs dedicated to different chess pieces (such as castle and knight) on the blockchain.

Meanwhile, even as the NFT boom continues to integrate digital entertainment and sports, NFT marketplaces are still providing new grounds for innovation.