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Derrick Rose to host chess tournament at Resorts World Las Vegas20 April 2023(PRESS RELEASE) -- Basketball star and 2011 NBA MVP Derrick Rose announced he is launching the inaugural ‘Chesstival’ chess tournament and festival at Resorts World Las Vegas from 7-8 July 2023. The weekend will feature celebrities, professional athletes, musicians and amateur chess players, competing in a high-stakes series chess tournament. “The game of chess is something I’ve been passionate about since high school,” said Rose. “Chess is undeniably competitive and strategic at its core, which are two characteristics I’ve carried throughout my career. I am thrilled to bring Chesstival to life at Resorts World Las Vegas and continue to grow interest in chess worldwide.”
Rose was introduced to chess in seventh grade through the chess club at school, but did not start playing until his third year in the NBA. While recovering from injuries, he sought out more mentally engaging activities and became enamored by the game of chess. Now an avid player, Rose can frequently be seen carrying a chess board around in his bag on road trips during the season. Over the last several years, the game has grown rapidly due to the presence of chess in popular culture. Since January 2020, more than 102 million users have signed up through Chess.com, a 238% increase. With the launch of Chesstival, the first high-stakes chess tournament put on by a professional athlete, the three-time NBA All-Star and former MVP hopes to continue that popularity growth and encourage more participants to take up the sport. “We’re honored to be the hosting property of this inaugural event that’s elevating the world of chess into the spotlight,” said Ronn Nicolli Jr., Chief Marketing Officer of Resorts World Las Vegas. “We look forward to hosting Derrick and his team, along with the Chesstival competitors and spectators.” The Chesstival tournament will also act as a platform to benefit the expansion of chess education into underprivileged schools and prisons as a form of rehabilitation. The tournament will coincide with July’s NBA Summer League. Fans interested in registering for the tournament are able to do so on the official Chesstival website. |