Wesley So Wins The Armageddon Championship Series: Americas!
American grandmaster Wesley So emerged victorious in the first event of the Armageddon Championship Series 2023, organized by World Chess. So’s flawless performance secures him a spot in the Grand Finale in September, along with Sam Shankland, the tournament’s runner-up.
The Armageddon Championship Series is no ordinary chess tournament; with its six Armageddon games, nail-biting drama, sky-high heart rates, and rule-breaking moves, it’s shaking up the world of chess. With top players and streamers like Wesley So (USA), Sam Shankland (USA), Andrew Tang (USA), Leinier Dominguez (USA), Ray Robson (USA), Eric Hansen (Canada), and online qualifiers Renato Terry and Jose Martinez from Peru, the competition has been an exciting journey for chess enthusiasts and wider audience globally.
The Armageddon Championship Series has become one of the most attractive and televised chess events of the year, broadcast live on over 16 online and TV platforms, the highlights will be showcased around the world on platforms like CNBC, BeIN Sports and FOX Australia. Technological innovations, such as real-time heart rate monitoring, have been the most discussed advancement in chess over the last week.
With a visually captivating bespoke studio set that places players at the very heart of the game, World Chess moved away from traditional presentations to showcase chess as dynamic, modern and exhilaratingly dramatic. With its stark design and minimal elements, chess has led the way for cutting-edge aesthetics for over a century and Armageddon has a high chance to redefine the next generation of visuals.
“The Armageddon Championship Series has captured the attention of chess fans around the world, and we’re thrilled to see such high levels of engagement and viewership,” said Ilya Merenzon, CEO of World Chess. “We can’t wait to see what the next stages of the Show will bring.
Interesting facts about highest heart rates:
— Wesley So on March 11 recorded a heart rate of 177 bpm.
— Sam Shankland on March 10 recorded a heart rate of 155 bpm.
— Andrew Tang on March 7 recorded a heart rate of 161 bpm.
— Leinier Dominguez on March 10 recorded a heart rate of 181 bpm.
— Jose Martinez on March 7 recorded a heart rate of 160 bpm.
— Ray Robson on March 8 recorded a heart rate of 175 bpm.
— Renato Terry on March 6 recorded a heart rate of 165 bpm.
— Eric Hansen on March 6 recorded a heart rate of 146 bpm.
The next stage of the tournament, featuring eight players from the Asia & Oceania region, including Gukesh D (India), Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzbekistan), Yangyi Yu (China), Daniil Dubov (FIDE), Vidit Gujrathi (India), Vladimir Kramnik (FIDE), Murali Karthikeyan (India), is set to take place from April 3 to 9. With the same dramatic format and immense time pressure, it promises to be another thrilling display of chess at its most exciting.
Chess fans can catch all the action and highlights on World Chess’s official YouTube channel.
