The world number-one will lead the field at the inaugural MOVE Cup in Barcelona on January 19 and 20, 2027. The eight-player rapid tournament features a prize fund of 300,000 euros and operates with 10 minutes plus a 1-second increment. Carlsen is currently the only confirmed participant, though the organizers expect to announce the remaining seven grandmasters in the coming weeks.

The tournament format reflects Carlsen's involvement in its design. The first day features a round-robin among all eight players, with the top four advancing to semifinals. The knockout stages follow a best-of-three format for semifinals, while the final is best-of-five. Carlsen explained his preference for the 1-second increment by noting that it barely allows players to physically execute moves, whereas a 2-second increment creates opportunities to accumulate time.

Spectator experience was central to Carlsen's vision for the event. Fans attending in person will receive live commentary through headphones and view scores on large screens, similar to setups used at Chess.com's Speed Chess Championship Finals and the Esports World Cup Final. Carlsen has voiced concern that chess lacks events designed to attract broader audiences and provide compelling viewing experiences.

BETBY, a sportsbook technology supplier, backs the tournament as part of their sponsorship of Carlsen since 2024. The two-day event runs alongside ICE Barcelona, a gaming industry trade show, and will be preceded by a charity hand-and-brain competition on January 18. Organizers have guaranteed the tournament's placement in Barcelona for the next three years.

The MOVE Cup launch introduces the MOVE Foundation, which will receive 300,000 euros matching the players' prize fund. Any additional money raised during the tournament will be split equally between prize money and foundation contributions. The foundation focuses on chess development, young talent support, and research connecting chess with mental health.

The Barcelona event falls during the same period as Tata Steel Chess in the Netherlands, creating a scheduling conflict with a tournament Carlsen won eight times. When asked about the overlap, Carlsen acknowledged that better coordination across the chess calendar would be beneficial but indicated he would not be playing in the Dutch event next year.