BASKETBALL STAR DERRICK ROSE TO LAUNCH CHESS FESTIVAL IN LAS VEGAS
Rose to Blend Culture, Celebrity, and the Game of Chess at First Ever “Chesstival” at Resorts World Las Vegas
Basketball star and 2011 NBA MVP Derrick Rose announced today he is launching the inaugural ‘Chesstival’ chess tournament and festival at Resorts World Las Vegas from July 7-8, 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.
ABOUT RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS
Since opening in 2021, Resorts World Las Vegas has become the premier destination on the Las Vegas Strip. Developed by Genting Berhad, a publicly traded Malaysian corporation registered with the Nevada Gaming Commission, the $4.3 billion resort is dedicated to providing guests with a one-of-a-kind luxury experience, complete with exceptional service, exquisite design and unparalleled amenities. In a partnership with Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Resorts World Las Vegas integrates three of Hilton’s premium brands into its resort campus. With over 3,500 guest rooms and suites, featuring modern design and luxurious touches, the property consists of Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World, the resort’s full-service brand; Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World, Hilton’s lifestyle luxury brand; and LXR, Hilton’s network of independent luxury properties, which operates as Crockfords Las Vegas, Genting’s internationally renowned ultra-luxury brand. The fully integrated resort boasts a wide range of world-class amenities and services including a 117,000 square foot state-of-the-art fully cashless casino floor, a 5,000 capacity theatre featuring the industry’s top headlining talent, distinct day and nightlife venues, a curated retail collection featuring designer and boutique shops, a stunning 27,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, over 50 food and beverage offerings from across the globe and more. Resorts World Las Vegas has ushered in a new world for luxury resorts, and invites guests to indulge with friends. Resorts World Las Vegas is Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED™ with Forbes Travel Guide while all three hotel brands are LEED Gold Certified. For more information, please visit rwlasvegas.com or find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter andInstagram.
