World Champion Garry Kasparov Wins Clutch Chess: The Legends During Grand Reopening of Saint Louis Chess Club

SAINT LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a thrilling display of precision, creativity and composure, legendary World Champion Grandmaster (GM) Garry Kasparov was crowned champion of the first Clutch Chess: The Legends, defeating longtime rival and fellow World Champion GM Viswanathan Anand in a three-day showdown that captivated fans around the world.

“It was a very tough fight,” said Kasparov. “I’m not a professional player anymore, so I had realistic expectations, but I was surprised to find myself in this position. It’s phenomenal to be here in Saint Louis. Seeing this incredible chess facility reminds me of the care and vision Rex and Jeanne Sinquefield put into building this chess temple. That’s why I come here to play chess every year.”

Kasparov’s incredible form was on full display throughout the event. After taking a slight lead to start, the former World Champion seized momentum on Day 2, capitalizing on Anand’s time trouble and tactical errors to surge ahead 8.5–3.5. Anand fought fiercely throughout and closed the event by winning the final two blitz games, securing the largest prize-money games of the tournament. Kasparov’s defensive brilliance in the early blitz rounds and commanding victories in clutch games showcased the timeless artistry that defined his career. Kasparov earned $78,000 for his victory, while Anand claimed $66,000 for his outstanding finish.

“It’s fitting that such an iconic match would open this next chapter for the Saint Louis Chess Club,” said Rex Sinquefield, co-founder of the Saint Louis Chess Club. “This new facility reflects our commitment to creating the premier home for chess—not just in the United States, but around the world. And we’re only getting started. The incredible lineup of events this month will showcase the passion and excellence that make Saint Louis the true capital of chess.”

The exhibition match marked the grand reopening of the newly expanded, 30,000-square-foot Saint Louis Chess Club—a stunning, state-of-the-art hub for players and fans alike. Featuring a $144,000 prize fund, the spirited 12-game Chess960 (Fischer Random) match combined rapid and blitz time controls with an innovative scoring system designed to captivate both players and fans.

“I’m incredibly pleased with the way things went,” said GM Maurice Ashley, creative officer of the Saint Louis Chess Club. “To have two great legends who embody the spirit of fighting chess play a match using my idea at the iconic Saint Louis Chess Club is a dream come true.”

Fans around the world tuned in for live coverage featuring expert commentary from Grandmasters Yasser Seirawan and Maurice Ashley, alongside sports broadcaster James “Dash” Patterson, whose insights brought fresh depth and energy to every decisive moment. Viewers can relive the action and follow the month’s continuing events on the Saint Louis Chess Club’s YouTube channel.

The celebration continues throughout the month with Hall of Fame inductions, the U.S. and U.S. Women’s Championships, and Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown—each event showcasing the energy and excellence that define Saint Louis as the ultimate home of chess.

2025 U.S. & U.S. Women’s Championships | October 12–25

The most prestigious chess events in the country return to crown the nation’s top players. Held in the upgraded tournament hall, the U.S. Championship and U.S. Women’s Championship will showcase elite talent, fierce rivalries and the rising stars of American chess. Each field will feature 12 players facing off over the board October 12-25 as they compete for a total purse of more than $400,000.

During the opening ceremonies, ​​National Master Bruce Pandolfini and Grandmaster Irina Krush will be inducted into the U.S. Hall of Fame, and Grandmasters Pia Cramling, Vlastimil Hort and Jan Timman will be inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame.

Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown | October 25–30

The month culminates with the Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown, which will feature World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura, World No. 3 Fabiano Caruana and World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju in what will be the highest-rated chess tournament of the year.

With $412,000 in prize money, including daily win bonuses and a Champion’s Jackpot, the stakes have never been higher. The event’s 18-game rapid double round-robin format (10 minutes plus a 5-second increment) will feature escalating point values each day: Wins are worth 1 point on Day 1, 2 points on Day 2 and 3 points on Day 3–a comeback-friendly format that cultivates increased tension and fan excitement into the very last round.

Make plans to experience elite chess in Saint Louis, learn more at saintlouischessclub.org.

About the Saint Louis Chess Club

The Saint Louis Chess Club is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that is committed to making chess an important part of our community. In addition to providing a forum for the community to play tournaments and casual games, the club also offers chess improvement classes, beginner lessons and special lectures.

Recognizing the cognitive and behavioral benefits of chess, the Saint Louis Chess Club is committed to supporting those chess programs that already exist in area schools while encouraging the development of new in-school and after-school programs. For more information, visit www.saintlouischessclub.org.