What do you get for a World Championship's VIP ticket?
Imagine attending the prestigious World Chess Championship in Sentosa, Singapore, and opting for the ultimate VIP experience. At 380 Singapore dollars (slightly under 24,000 Indian Rupees), this ticket is akin to securing Category 1 seats for a Taylor Swift concert. Naturally, you might find yourself pondering whether this investment is truly worthwhile. After all, with that budget, you could snag some World Championship merchandise - think t-shirts, posters, phone cases, umbrellas, and mugs - alongside the popular game collection books featuring Ding Liren (NIC) and Gukesh (Elk and Ruby), with some change left over. But what are the perks of buying a VIP ticket for the World Chess Championship? Read the article to find out. Photo: Michelle Tay
Is the VIP experience at the World Chess Championship worth it?
Note: This is not a paid promotion; the match has already concluded. However, if you were considering purchasing tickets back in November and are weighing the prospect of spending your annual chess book or Chessable budget, here’s what a VIP ticket entails.
First, you’ll breeze through an express queue reserved solely for VIPs to enter the spectator area. Here, you’ll find plush, spacious front-row seats directly facing the glass cube where Ding and Gukesh are competing in their games.
Additionally, VIP access grants you entry to the Commentary Studio, where the renowned commentators GM David Howell and IM Jovanka Houska provide live analysis of the World Championship game from just two meters away.
When you’re ready for a break from the intense chess action, make your way to the VIP Lounge.
Here, you can also indulge in an endless selection of gourmet buffet dishes and a delightful fruit platter. The lounge also offers a variety of beverages, from soft drinks to liquor, allowing you to celebrate when your favorite player triumphs while you watch the action from large-screen TVs.
As a VIP, you’ll likely cross paths with Grandmasters and well-known chess personalities such as IM Eric Rosen, WGM Nemo Zhou, FIDE CEO GM Emil Sutovsky, or the Chief Organizer GM Kevin Goh. If fortune smiles upon you, you might even meet the seconds of the contenders, like GM Richard Rapport or GM Ni Hua.
When my student dropped by the VIP lounge, he asked, “Where are the GMs with the highest ratings here today?” I promptly directed him to GMs Ni Hua, Kevin Goh, and Emil Sutovsky. Do you need me to say more?
Follow the match on the large-screen TVs while engaging in conversations with GMs about the contenders’ moves.
GM Muzychuk graciously complimented Yi Xiang on his tactical acumen and willingness to take risks.
You can still watch the match proceedings while you pummel the patzer across you with your consummate skills.
Moreover, the VIP ticket opens doors to a simultaneous exhibition, where you can challenge World Champions such as Anand, Kosteniuk, or six-time World Championships Candidate Boris Gelfand.
Joshua Lim expressed that while the cost may be steep for the general public, it is appropriately priced to ensure that the VIP room remains exclusive and not overcrowded. He believes the activities provided are excellent for chess enthusiasts. Xuan Ying echoed this sentiment, deeming the pricing justifiable and worth every penny. She had the opportunity to meet her chess idols, including GM Hou Yifan, and left with cherished memories in the form of photos and autographs. “There were many high-ranking chess personalities present as well,” Xuan Ying noted, as she engaged in a London System blitz tussle with Joshua in the lounge. She also mentioned how friendly SCF President IM Dr. Hsu Li Yang was, as he took the time to chat with her. “The food is excellent too,” she added, referring to the delightful spread in the VIP Lounge.
In summary, a VIP ticket to the World Chess Championship is not just a ticket; it’s a gateway to an unforgettable experience filled with chess, gourmet food, and the opportunity to mingle with the world’s chess elite.
This is a glimpse of what you could have experienced had you purchased a VIP ticket for the event. It’s evident that considerable thought went into these arrangements, and I hope that organizers will continue to enhance the experience for chess fans for future high-caliber events.
