An anonymous donor transferred 40,000 Norwegian Krones (~$4,000) to Norwegian GM Frode Urkedal, enabling him to compete in the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championship 2025. The gift followed a conversation at a bachelor party chess simul.

Frode Olav Olsen Urkedal

Frode Olav Olsen Urkedal

Norwegian GM

“I was asked: ‘Are you going to play in the World Championship?’. I said it was too expensive… Then he asked for my phone number. A few seconds later, the notification came that I had received 40,000 Krones on Vipps. I just couldn’t believe it. It was like a dream!

My goal is to perform as well as possible. I hope to play against many strong opponents.”

32-years-old Frode Olav Olsen Urkedal (2568) is a Norwegian Grandmaster, chess columnist and coach. Urkedal participates in the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championship 2025 in Qatar starting December 26.