Half-year Results

World Chess plc (LSE: CHSS), a leading chess organisation seeking to promote the mass market appeal of chess globally through the offering of different chess-related activities, is pleased to announce its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2024.

Financial Overview for the six months to June 2024

• Revenue of €1.2m (H1 2023: €1.2m)
• Pre-tax loss of €1.9m (H1 2023: €2.3m)
• Fundraise of €1.5m (H1 2023: €3.5m)

Corporate, strategic and operational progress

The first six months of 2024 has seen World Chess continue to strengthen its position in the global chess market, investing in its digital and media ventures, including improvements to the FIDE Online Arena, highlights include:

• Launch of 'Swiss Queens Wednesday', which is a major online women's tournament series in partnership with the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The only tournament series in Womens' online chess, featuring weekly online events with participation of elite female players, including World Champions (https://chessarena.com/swiss-queens-wednesday).
• Confirmation of continued partnership with FIDE for the exclusive use of the World Chess Championship sets in the FIDE Championship Matches, the Candidates Tournaments and other elite events through 2024 and 2025 and the release of an exclusive special edition chess set to celebrate the 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament.
• New collaboration with Sunset+Vine, the sports focused TV production company, to launch chess news and lifestyle television programme.
• Further upgrades to chessarena.com, the FIDE Online Arena, including a new user interface, as well as IOS and Android apps creating a more personalised playing experience.
• Since the start of the period, the number of registered users grew 7% to 803,872 whilst the number of 'premium' paid subscribers grew 8% to 9,198 The Company is also phasing out its legacy pricing model, with a new Pro price increased to €49 per year. This is up 95% from the previous price and includes FIDE ID, issued to all Pro users.

Post-period events

• In September 2024 the Company announced a new strategic investor had agreed to subscribe for 12,000,000 new ordinary shares of World Chess for a total subscription amount of €1.2m payable in three instalments with the final payment due on 15 January 2025.
• Hosted "Clash of Blames," a rematch between Vladimir Kramnik and Grandmaster José Alcántara, featuring chessarena.com's advanced anti-cheating technology, held both online and in-person in London. The event gained coverage in the news media, including the Times, as well as in the social media.
• Extension of its partnership with the Algorand Foundation to enhance chessarena.com with a new Algorand Tournament Series and unique digital chess assets.

Ilya Merenzon, Chief Executive Officer of World Chess, said:

"We have continued to build the products that are, in our view, in line with what modern chess looks like - user-friendly, social, competitive, and well-designed. The chess interface, as evident from our more established competitors, requires a facelift, and we are looking forward to challenging the status quo and bringing new features and design solutions into the sport. Our business goals are to rapidly increase our awareness and market share. Looking ahead, we remain committed to driving chess into new, dynamic spaces. We will continue to expand our digital footprint, enhance our chess products and deliver high-profile events that unite and excite the global chess community."

The half-yearly financial report has not been audited or reviewed by auditors pursuant to the Financial Reporting Council guidance on Review of Interim Financial Information.

INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT

Chessarena.com, the FIDE Online Arena

Following the launch of Arena 2.0 in October 2023, key new features introduced by World Chess in 2024 include the ability to start playing a game of chess with one click, meaning interested users don't have to register and can simply click and play, encouraging first-time players to the platform, and offering the ability to start multiple games in different time controls allowing players to find a relevant opponent faster.

In January 2024 'Swiss Queens Wednesday', the women's online tournament series in partnership with FIDE, was launched on chessarena.com, giving women chess players the chance to challenge stereotypes, inspire future generations, and demonstrate their strategic prowess on a global stage and promote gender diversity through chess.

In August 2024, chessarena.com hosted 'Clash of Blames' the much anticipated rematch between 14th World Chess Champion, Vladimir Kramnik, and Grandmaster José Alcántara following the controversial Clash of Claims. This event highlighted chessarena.com's anti-cheating engine, unique in online chess as the only anti-cheating engine approved by FIDE, the international governing body of chess.

On 3 September 2024, the Company announced the extension of its partnership with the Algorand Foundation for an additional year. Algorand's cutting-edge blockchain technology will continue to enhance the chessarena.com ecosystem through a new Algorand Tournament Series and unique digital chess assets, further enriching the platform's offerings and user experience. Further details of subsequent events are set out in note 14 of this unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial information.

At the end of August 2024, chessarena.com had 832,090 registered users and 10,300 paid subscribers.

World Chess TV

In May 2024 World Chess announced the launch of a new chess news television programme, intended to be broadcast on several TV stations. This series, consisting of ten 30-minute episodes, will cover a range of topics including major issues, scandals, and significant events in the chess world. Produced in collaboration with Sunset+Vine, the programme will also feature content sponsored by it.com Domains and aims to broaden chess's appeal and inspire global audiences, while making chess accessible and engaging for all viewers.

World Chess Club Berlin

The World Chess Club Berlin has hosted a series of exciting events and tournaments aimed at promoting the game and engaging the chess community. Highlights include Chess Boxing, FIDE-rated Rapid and Blitz tournaments as well as regular Sunday Cup and amateur tournaments. The club has also introduced new educational programs and workshops for players of all levels, designed to enhance their skills and knowledge of the game.

Armageddon 2025

Armageddon, the World Chess global chess series, which captivated audiences in 2023, will return in 2025 for another round of high-stakes chess competition. The inaugural event showcased intense matchups and dramatic finishes, featuring some of the world's top players battling under a unique, time-crunch format designed to heighten suspense and excitement.

Preparations are underway to enhance the event even further, promising innovative features and expanded global reach. The 2025 Armageddon is set to continue its tradition of blending strategic depth with electrifying gameplay, further solidifying its status as a premier chess spectacle.

Tournaments revenue recognised in the period includes €250,000 (H1 2023: €456,008) which was included in accruals and deferred income at the start of the period. This income relates to a multiyear sponsorship agreement entered into in 2018.

New Strategic Investor

On 27 September 2024 the Company announced a new strategic investor had agreed to subscribe for 12,000,000 new ordinary shares of World Chess for a total subscription amount of €1.2m payable in three instalments with the final payment due on 15 January 2025. The newly issued shares will be admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange's Main Market, with admission to follow receipt of the final payment.

Listing Category

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

Taking considered risk is the essence of all business and investment activity, in relation to risk the Company's main objective is to minimise the chance of a material adverse outcome arising from causes which could reasonably have been foreseen, this includes both 'upside' (opportunity) and 'downside' (threat) risks.

The principal risks that are specific to the Group are summarised below; in the opinion of the Directors these risks remain unchanged from those detailed in the Company's annual report for the year ended 31 December 2023 which was approved by the Board of Directors on 25 April 2024.

• Availability of funding: The Company continues to be reliant on raising further financing to support its ongoing operations.
• Subscriber Growth: Retaining and attracting online subscribers is crucial to the Group's success. This depends on product quality, user experience, and responding to changing preferences. Failure in these areas could harm the business.
• Platform Stability: Disruptions in service or systems, whether from the Group or third parties, could damage the Group's reputation and customer base, negatively affecting business performance.
• Data Security: Compliance with data protection laws like GDPR and safeguarding user data are vital. A failure here could harm the Group's business and lead to claims. The new head of products risk and compliance is tasked with enhancing data governance and security.
• Anti-Cheating: Cheating remains a significant challenge in online chess. While World Chess employs advanced anti-cheating technologies, ongoing improvement and investment are necessary. Incentivising players to engage in over-the-board chess can also help reduce online cheating.
• World Chess Online Arena Contract with FIDE: The contract with FIDE is an important tool helping to establish platform's dominance. The contract may be terminated by FIDE in August 2026 subject to certain conditions (for more information see Company's April 2023 Prospectus). Otherwise it should renew for another 5 years (until August 2031).
• Rating Recognition and Adoption: The platform's official FIDE ratings are a key advantage but face challenges in adoption and integration with over-the-board ratings and tournaments.
• Reliance on Key Individuals: The business heavily depends on a few key management personnel. Losing any of them could adversely affect the Group.

Related Parties' Transactions

Details of material transactions with Directors are disclosed in note 13. Transactions with and between the Company and its subsidiary undertakings, who are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are disclosed in note 13.

Other than as disclosed in note 13 to this unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial information there have been no changes to the related parties' transactions described in the Company's annual report for the year ended 31 December 2022 which was approved by the Board of Directors on 28 April 2023.

Outlook

The Company continues to advance its mission of popularising chess through a series of initiatives. Over the course of the second half, World Chess will continue to build on its successful partnership with the Algorand Foundation, leveraging their blockchain technology to launch a new Algorand Tournament Series on chessarena.com, whilst also and gearing up for the highly anticipated return of the World Chess Armageddon in 2025, which promises to deliver another round of intense, high-stakes competition.

The organisation will also focus on growing its presence through strategic partnerships and expanding its educational and community engagement initiatives. By continuing to innovate and elevate the chess experience, World Chess aims to solidify its position as a leading force in the global chess arena and attract new audiences to the sport.

Approved by the Board on 27 September 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE PERIOD 1 JANUARY 2024 TO 30 JUNE 2024

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE PERIOD 1 JANUARY 2024 TO 30 JUNE 2024

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE PERIOD 1 JANUARY 2024 TO 30 JUNE 2024

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NOTES TO THE STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE PERIOD 1 JANUARY 2024 TO 30 JUNE 2024

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR THE PERIOD 1 JANUARY 2024 TO 30 JUNE 2024

1 STATUTORY INFORMATION

This unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial information is for World Chess PLC ('the Company') and its subsidiary undertakings, (together the 'Group'). The Company is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in England with registration number 10589323 and registered office Eastcastle House, 27/28 Eastcastle Street, London, W1W 8DH.

The Company is listed on the Official List and its entire issued share capital was admitted for trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange on 6 April 2023 with ticker symbol CHSS.

2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparation

This unaudited condensed consolidated financial information which incorporate the financial information of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings, have been prepared in accordance with Accounting Standard IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' as contained in UK - adopted International Accounting Standards and IFRIC interpretations and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

The interim report does not include all the notes of the type normally included in an annual financial report. Accordingly, this report is to be read in conjunction with the annual report for the year ended 31 December 2023 which was approved by the Board of Directors on 25 April 2024 and any public announcements made by the Company during the interim reporting period.

This financial information has been prepared under the historical cost convention and unless otherwise specified are presented in Euro which is the functional currency of the Group and rounded to the nearest €.

Going concern

Based on the Group's Statement of Financial Position and a review of its forecast future operating budgets and forecasts, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for at least twelve months from the date of signing of this unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial information. This review of future operating budgets and forecasts included certain reasonable downside scenarios and confirmed that even in the case of such downside scenarios the Group could continue to operate and meet its obligations as they fall due. Accordingly, the Directors have adopted the going concern basis in preparing this financial information.

In making this assessment, the Directors have considered the resilience of the Group in severe but plausible scenarios, taking into account the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group and the effectiveness of any mitigating actions. The Directors' assessment considered the potential impacts of these scenarios, both individually and in combination, on the Group's business model, future performance, solvency and liquidity over the period. Sensitivity analysis was also used to stress test the Group's strategic plan and to confirm that sufficient headroom would remain available under the Group's credit facilities. The Directors consider that under each of these scenarios, the mitigating actions would be effective and sufficient to ensure the continued viability of the Group.

Risks and uncertainties

Taking considered risk is the essence of all business and investment activity, the Audit Committee is responsible for a formal risk assessment on an annual basis and also for reporting, by exception, on any material changes during the year affecting the risks the Group is currently exposed to and any potential future risks that need to be considered. The Group's activities expose it to a variety of risks, including market risk (foreign currency risk and interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk, these risks and the activities of the Directors to minimise their potential adverse effects on the Group's financial performance have not substantially changed from those set out in the Company's annual report for the year ended 31 December 2023 which is available from the Company's website: www.worldchess.com.

3 REVENUE

Revenue from contracts with customers

Listing costs

Legal and professional costs associated with the listing of the entire issued share capital of World Chess PLC on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in April 2023.

Loss on Crypto-assets

The Group has historically received some sponsorship revenue in the form of crypto-assets which it has converted to fiat currencies at the earliest opportunity, usually upon receipt or in accordance with an agreed schedule of conversion. Crypto-assets are not amortised but are reviewed for impairment if the prevailing price at which they can be converted into fiat currency indicates their value has fallen below their carrying value. Any impairment or realised gains on the conversion of crypto-assets to fiat currency are recognised within exceptional items.

5 NET FINANCE COSTS

6 LOSS PER SHARE

The basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the (loss)/profit attributable to owners of the parent company by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year. In calculating the diluted earnings per share, any outstanding share options, warrants and convertible loans are taken into account where the impact of these is dilutive.

7 DIVIDENDS

No dividend was recommended or paid for the period under review.

8 INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The Directors considered the carrying value at 30 June 2024 for each asset identified above, except crypto-assets, and it was determined that no impairment was required. Where an asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets the carrying value was considered against the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows (cash generating unit or CGU).

The Directors considered the carrying value at 30 June 2024 for crypto-assets based on the prevailing exchange rate at which the crypto-asset could readily be converted into US dollars or Euros and it was determined that no impairment was required.

9 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

The Directors considered the carrying value at 30 June 2024 for each group undertaking, identified below, and it was determined that no further impairment was required.

13 RELATED PARTIES' DISCLOSURES

Directors

Details of remuneration and service contracts and other material contracts with Directors, remain unchanged from those detailed in the Company's annual report for the year ended 31 December 2023 which was approved by the Board of Directors on 25 April 2024

Group undertakings

The following transactions took place during the six months ended 30 June 2024 with and between group undertakings.

• World Chess Events Ltd paid €90,000 to World Chess Sakartvelo LLC for the provision of staff and other services,
• World Chess Events Ltd paid €18,888 to World Chess US Inc in commission on third party transactions,
• World Chess Events Ltd paid €395 to World Chess Europe GmbH for the purchase of inventory,
• World Chess Europe GmbH paid €57,897 to World Chess PLC in interest payments,
• World Chess Europe GmbH paid €2,392 to World Chess Events Ltd for the purchase of inventory,
• World Chess US Inc paid €1,121 to World Ches Events Ltd for the purchase of inventory,

Balances at 30 June 2024

The following balances remained outstanding at 30 June 2023 from and between group undertakings.

14 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On 27 September 2024 the Company announces a new strategic investor had agreed to subscribe for 12,000,000 new ordinary shares of World Chess for a total subscription amount of €1.2m payable in three instalments with the final payment due on 15 January 2025. The newly issued shares will be admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange's Main Market, with admission to follow receipt of the final payment.

On 3 September 2024 the Company announced the extension of its partnership with the Algorand Foundation for an additional year, during which Algorand's cutting-edge blockchain technology will continue to enhance the chessarena.com ecosystem through a new Algorand Tournament Series and unique digital chess assets, further enriching the platform's offerings and user experience.

In August 2024, World Chess hosted 'Clash of Blames', the highly anticipated rematch of the controversial 'Clash of Claims' between the 14th World Chess Champion Vladimir Kramnik and Grandmaster José Alcántara. The event held online at chessarena.com and in person at the Sky Guild Gaming Centre in London, showcased chessarena.com's advanced anti-cheating technology.

15 OTHER

Copies of the unaudited half-yearly results have not been sent to shareholders, however copies are available at www.worldchess.com or on request from the Company's Registered Office.

16 APPROVAL OF UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Ilya Merenzon (Chief Executive Officer)

Matvey Shekhovtsov (Chief Operating Officer)

Richard Collett (Chief Financial Officer)

Graham Woolfman (Chair)

Neil Rafferty (Non-Executive Director)

Jamison Reed Firestone (Non-Executive Director)

This unaudited condensed consolidated financial information was approved by the Board on 27 September 2024.