World Chess (LSE:CHSS) reported revenue from continuing operations of €2.03m, up 11% year‑on‑year, while total revenue including discontinued operations fell 7% to €2.26m after the closure of its Berlin club.
The figures are from the group's annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025. Digital growth was driven by the World Chess Online Arena (revenues +25% to €863,751) and higher tournament and content income (€545,508). Merchandising fell to €542,491 as physical activity wound down. Gross profit from continuing operations rose to €609,532, lifting gross margin to 30%.
Strategically, the board reallocated resources to scalable digital products: a rebuilt mobile app, a new player progression system called The Tower, platform unification under worldchess.com, and early development of club and federation management tools. The group also extended its Algorand Foundation partnership and added TipRanks as a commercial partner.
Balance-sheet moves included capitalised development of €479,237 for the year (total capitalised platform spend now €5.1m) and a €300,000 impairment tied to the Berlin closure. Cash at year end was €40,732; no external borrowings left the group with a small net cash position.
Post year end investors Valery Kurylau and Dmitri Lipnitsky injected approximately €1.36m in February 2026. Directors say forecasts covering at least twelve months assume no further funding and note "a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt on the Group's ability to continue as a going concern."
"A million people choose to play chess on World Chess. Hopefully, you are one of them!" Ilya Merenzon, Chief Executive Officer
