Chess fans have been dreaming of it for years… the perfect rivalry of four chess legends who can compete on a meaningful stage that is big enough to live up to the history being made. Well, in October, the Saint Louis Chess Club is serving up all that and more. The newly renovated club is making room for one of the biggest months in modern chess history, with Garry Kasparov and Viswanathan Anand on one corner of the ring, and Magnus Carlsen and Gukesh Dommaraju on the other, with Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana in the mix, too. It’s chess. Drama. Pride. Millions of dollars on the line.
Kasparov vs. Anand – The Rivalry Revived
It has been three decades since the world watched Kasparov defend his title against Anand at the 1995 World Championship in New York City. Both players have charted very different courses since then. The Russian legend has been retired from the game since 2005, and only makes rare appearances in classical events. The Indian Grandmaster is also semi-retired, but keeps busy as a mentor, teacher, and world chess statesman. This October, these two primes will once again face off against one another for the first time in 30 years in Clutch Chess: Legends.
While players go head-to-head, for fans it’s a chance to live out their chess nostalgia, watching two icons of the game put their pride on the line one more time. And there’s even more drama, in their most recent meeting, at their 2021 Anand Versus Kasparov Match in Zagreb, Anand came out on top.
Carlsen vs. Gukesh – The Future Meets the Present
A few days later, the pieces will be reset for Clutch Chess Champions and it’s got all the makings of a heavyweight boxing main event. World No.1 and G.O.A.T. favourite Magnus Carlsen will face off against reigning World Champion, and teenage superstar Gukesh, who climbed to the throne in 2024. Moreover, Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana completes one of the strongest rapid fields in history.
But here is where the story grows richer. Kasparov himself has dismissed Gukesh’s crown as “not the same” as the world championships he or Carlsen held, since Carlsen left the cycle. Later, he praised Gukesh’s skills, even comparing him to a computer, but the sting of his words still hurts.
Prize Money
- Clutch Chess: Legends: $144,000 over 12 Chess960 games with quick and blitz time controls between Kasparov and Anand.
- With daily win bonuses and a special Champion’s Jackpot, Carlsen, Gukesh, Nakamura, and Caruana (Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown) totalled $412,000.
Game format
- From October 7 to 11, Kasparov versus Anand competed in a 12-game Chess960 (Fischer Random) match with a combination of fast and blitz time constraints.
- 18-game double robin rapid competition at 10 minutes plus 5 seconds increment for Carlsen, Gukesh, Nakamura and Caruana. On Day 1, victories are worth 1 point, 2 points on Day 2, and 3 points on Day 3, a comeback-friendly arrangement meant to keep viewers on edge until the final round.
The Venue
Featuring a chess-inspired restaurant, larger rooms, and world-class broadcast studios, the newly enlarged Saint Louis Chess Club covers 30,000 square feet. This is a cathedral of chess, and October will be its big opening.
This is a battle of generations, egos, and legacies rather than just another chess competition. The establishment versus the new wave. Rising stars wanting to establish their name in history and legends seeking one more spark. Kasparov versus Anand takes us back. Carlsen against Gukesh provides us the future. Together, it satisfies chess enthusiasts’ expectations.
Save October in St. Louis on your calendar; you will not want to miss it. Keep following The New England Chess School for the coverage of legendary games, analysis, and inspiration.