Checkmate Live Wins 2024 Australia and New Zealand Sports Technology Award
Checkmate Live, has been recognised with the Gaming and Esports Award at the Australia and New Zealand Sports Technology Awards (ANZSTA) presented by Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN). STWS were responsible in delivering Australia Sports Innovation Week, 14 great events that were attended by more than 1,000 delegates, of which the ANZSTA Awards are a highlight
The award highlights VADR Media’s groundbreaking efforts in developing Checkmate Live and its proprietary Sixth-i anti-cheat system, addressing the critical challenge of cheating in online chess while setting new standards for innovation in one of the world’s largest sports and esports.
Dr. Martin Schlegel, Chair of ASTN, praised VADR Media’s strategy:
"The ANZSTA celebrates companies, teams, and individuals using technology to create innovative, best-in-class solutions and experiences in sports, both on and off the field of play. VADR Media exemplifies this spirit by investing in R&D, disrupting the traditional sports rights model through a vertically integrated approach, and leveraging AI, Web2, and Web3 technologies to address key industry challenges. VADR Media's work unlocks value for players, fans, federations, and media partners."
Sixth-i Anti-Cheat System Paired with Checkmate Live’s Arbiter Mode
At the core of Checkmate Live’s platform is the Sixth-i anti-cheat system, developed in collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney’s (UTS) Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute (AAII). Integrated with Checkmate Live’s Arbiter Mode, the system equips federations and organisers with tools to officiate FIDE online supervised tournaments and high-stakes competitions.
This cloud-based solution ensures integrity in competitive play, allows broadcasters to integrate production workflows and enables players to engage in face-to-face video battles for both social and competitive play.
Dr. Nabin Sharma, Associate Professor at UTS, reflected on the collaboration:
"Working with VADR Media and Checkmate Live has allowed us to push the boundaries of AI in competitive chess, gaming, and sports. Chess has long been a testing ground for AI, and this project takes innovation further. Beyond ensuring fair play, we are developing AI-powered tools that enhance the player, fan, and broadcast experience, fostering deeper engagement and insights."
Together, VADR Media, UTS AAII, and Checkmate Live are committed to combating emerging cheating threats and enhancing player and fan experiences through the VADR R&D Fair Play Lab, in collaboration with key partners such as Tencent Cloud.
Echess: Expanding Competitive Chess Across Asia and Beyond
With a global chess community of 700 million players, including 420 million online monthly and 1 million in Australia, Checkmate Live is redefining how the IOC-recognized sport of chess is played, broadcast, officiated, and monetized.
John McRae, Managing Director of VADR Media and Checkmate Live, expressed his gratitude:
"It’s humbling to receive the award for Esports & Gaming. This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our team in Australia and abroad and our shared passion with the Asian Chess Federation for fair play. Our vision for the future of competitive play empowers players with the tools to profit from their skills and chase Olympic gold."
Driving the Future of Echess with the Asian Chess Federation (ACF)
Checkmate Live powers the Asian Chess Federation’s (ACF) eChess initiative, announced at the FIDE Olympiad in Budapest. The initiative bridges traditional chess with esports formats, aligning with the IOC’s vision of expanding sports into esports.
"Our Echess initiative, developed with Checkmate Live, represents a significant step forward in promoting online chess across Asia," said His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the ACF. "By embracing emerging technologies and leveraging our status as an IOC-recognized sport, we’re not only enhancing the player experience but also opening new opportunities for growth in both traditional chess and esports."
The eChess program will feature supervised online speed chess tournaments, official platform ratings, and prize pools for rated players, positioning the ACF as a leader in digital sports innovation.
Leading the Future of Competitive Play
Through exclusive partnerships with the Asian Chess Federation and the Arab Esports Federation, Checkmate Live provides tournament, broadcast, and data services across Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania to 73 national federations. As a member of the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC), Checkmate Live ensures a transparent and trusted competitive environment, setting new standards in broadcasting, tournament production, and online competitive play.
For more information about Checkmate Live and the Echess initiative, visit https://checkmate.live.
What is Echess?
Echess is the Asian Chess Federation’s (ACF) innovative initiative, blending traditional chess with the dynamic world of esports. It features online supervised speed chess, fast-paced tournament formats, and speedruns for official ACF ratings. Designed for a global online audience, echess offers blitz, bullet, and rapid games, catering to players who thrive in high-intensity competitions. By integrating modern competition formats, echess positions itself as the King of Esports and Sports, placing chess at the forefront of the global esports arena.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
About the Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN)
The Australian Sports Technologies Network (ASTN) provides leadership in the commercialisation, development and promotion of Australian-inspired sports technologies. Established in 2012, the ASTN is an industry-led Australian ecosystem of organisations with 750+ companies with a vested interest in sports technology development. This includes leading sports technologies businesses, national sporting organisations, research institutions, sports distributors & retailers, government agencies, service providers and investors.
Visit: https://astn.com.au
About STWS
STWS is a trusted and experienced advisory and consulting services firm, delivering solutions to help organisations grow in sports technology and adjacent markets. STWS’ flagship industry event is the Australia Sports Innovation Week (ASIW), which includes the Australia Sports Technology Conference and the Australia and New Zealand Sports Technology Awards (ANZSTA).
For more information, please visit https://stws.co/conference-australia/.
About the Asian Chess Federation (ACF)
The Asian Chess Federation (ACF) is the governing body for chess across the Asian Continent. As the largest continental federation, the ACF comprises 52 national associations across Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania. Headquartered in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, the ACF is led by His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Visit: https://asianchess.com
About the Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute (AAII)
The Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute (AAII) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is a world-leading research institute focused on advancing the theoretical foundations and algorithms of artificial intelligence. The institute’s research spans multiple AI fields, including computer vision, machine learning, bioinspired neural networks, and brain-computer interfaces.
Visit: https://www.uts.edu.au/research/australian-artificial-intelligence-institute
About Checkmate Live
Checkmate Live is a next-gen esports-first broadcast and tournament platform for speed chess and mind games. The platform integrates in-platform video conferencing and proprietary AI-powered anti-cheat technology, setting a new standard for competitive integrity. With its skill-based matchmaking, flexible formats, and division-based tournaments, Checkmate Live delivers engaging, fair, and innovative gameplay experiences.
Visit: https://www.checkmate.live
About VADR Media
VADR Media is an executive production firm specialising in the production and promotion of new media, gaming, entertainment and sports. We are passionate about the business of play, broadcasting, and events.
Visit: www.vadr.media