Millionaire Chess Open 2...

[Steven DuCharme]

will feature Nakamura and So

[Roger de Coverly]

I was a little puzzled by what the Satellite tournaments were meant to achieve. If I understand the poker analogy, satellite tournaments are the means of qualification for the main event. The chess tournament is open, with no playing strength restrictions other than being able to afford the entry fee, accommodation and travel costs.

So is this what the "Satellite" tournaments are about? Tournaments where the first prize isn't money but free or reduced price entry? If travel and accommodation isn't part of the prize, would African winners be able to afford to take up their place?

http://www.uschess.org/content/view/12935/319/

[Ian Thompson]

I was a little puzzled by what the Satellite tournaments were meant to achieve.

Income for the Millionaire Open organiser by the look of it. From https://millionairechess.com/satellite-program:

8. Must agree to split the profit 80/20 for the first $1K collected. (This is a risk on MC’s part to help defer expenses for the organizer). MC will receive 30% on the additional revenues above $1000.
9. Must agree to revert back to a regular tournament (Non-MC Qualifier) if the minimum amount of $1000 per MC ticket offered is not collected in entry fees.