Kasparov and Topalov Renew Legendary Rivalry With Return to the Board at Clutch Chess: The Legends in Saint Louis

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Some chess rivalries are defined by championships. Others are defined by moments that forever change how the game is remembered.

This September, two of chess’s greatest icons will write another chapter in their legendary rivalry when World Champion Garry Kasparov and FIDE World Chess Champion Veselin Topalov face off at Clutch Chess: The Legends, a special exhibition event taking place Sept. 11-13, 2026, in Saint Louis, the undisputed chess capital of the United States.

Hosted by the Saint Louis Chess Club, the event will feature a $144,000 prize fund awarded across a 12-game Chess960 (Fischer Random) match between two of the sport’s most influential figures. Played at rapid and blitz time controls, the innovative Clutch Chess format, the brainchild of Grandmaster Maurice Ashley, is designed to create drama from the first move to the last, rewarding creativity, adaptability and bold play from two legends of the game. Unlike traditional chess tournaments, Clutch Chess sees the stakes build round by round, with ever-increasing points and dollar prizes available each day.

The matchup brings together two players whose battles have produced some of the most memorable moments in modern chess history. Their unforgettable encounter at the 1999 Wijk aan Zee tournament, where Kasparov’s brilliant victory became known as “Kasparov’s Immortal,” remains one of the most celebrated games ever played. Years later, Topalov defeated Kasparov in their final classical encounter at the 2005 Linares tournament, which became Kasparov’s final game before his retirement from professional chess.

"I am always happy to return to Saint Louis, I feel at home here! I look forward to continuing what has become a tradition of playing once a year at the best Chess Club in the world. The newly renovated Club is setting the highest standard for chess around the world, It is a privilege to be a part of its next chapter. Facing Veselin again will make this return to the board even more exciting," said Garry Kasparov.

”No matter what format, the games with Garry are always fighting (chess). He was able to beat Vishy Anand last year, so obviously he is confident against me. I am looking forward to a great match,” said Veselin Topalov.

The legends met again in 2018 in a Chess960 exhibition match, but this September marks another opportunity to watch two icons of the game compete on the board. Kasparov, the longtime World No. 1 and one of the most dominant champions in chess history, will once again face Topalov, the former FIDE World Champion known for his fearless attacking style and uncompromising approach.

“Clutch Chess was created to showcase the beauty, creativity and unpredictability of chess in a way that brings fans closer to the action,” said Grandmaster Maurice Ashley. “Having two legends like Garry Kasparov and Veselin Topalov compete in this format is incredibly special. Their rivalry has produced some of the most unforgettable moments in chess history, and this event gives fans the opportunity to see their brilliance, competitiveness and creativity on display once again. We are excited to bring this experience to Saint Louis and share it with chess fans around the world.”

The match will unfold over three days, with four games played each day. Half of the games will use a rapid time control of G/25 with a 10-second increment, while the remaining games will be played at blitz time controls of 5 minutes with a 3-second increment. A new randomized starting position will be drawn each day, ensuring that creativity, adaptability and pure chess skill determine the outcome.

The Clutch Chess scoring system will increase the stakes as the match progresses. Wins will be worth one point on Day 1, two points on Day 2 and three points on Day 3, creating opportunities for dramatic comebacks throughout the competition. The match winner will earn $70,000, while the runner-up will receive $50,000. If the match ends tied after 12 games, each player will receive $60,000.

Each game will also feature additional bonus money: a Day 1 victory earns $1,000, a Day 2 victory earns $2,000 and a Day 3 victory earns $3,000. Drawn games will roll their bonus prizes forward to the final two games, adding even more excitement to the match’s decisive moments.

Joining the action will be a world-class broadcast team featuring GMs Yasser Seirawan and Maurice Ashley, along with sportscaster James Dash Patterson. Fans can catch the action online, player interviews and event commentary by visiting the Saint Louis Chess Club’s YouTube and Twitch.tv channels. International Arbiter Grant Oen will oversee the competition.

Fans can purchase tickets to experience this historic chess event from the exclusive event lounge, with every ticket including an autographed poster featuring chess legends Garry Kasparov and Veselin Topalov, live, in-person Grandmaster commentary, and complimentary beverages and light fare. Please note that spectators will not be permitted inside the tournament hall. Click HERE to learn more, including how to purchase tickets.

About the Saint Louis Chess Club

The Saint Louis Chess Club (STLCC) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to making chess a vital part of the community and advancing Saint Louis’s reputation as the nation’s premier chess destination—the U.S. Chess Capital. In addition to hosting world-class tournaments and providing a welcoming space for casual and competitive play, the Club offers a robust slate of educational programming, including beginner lessons, chess improvement classes, lectures, and special events for players of all ages and skill levels.

Recognizing the cognitive, academic, and social benefits of chess, the Saint Louis Chess Club is deeply committed to scholastic education. The Club supports existing chess programs in area schools while actively developing new in-school and after-school initiatives that introduce students to the game and help young players thrive both on and off the board. For more information, visit www.saintlouischessclub.org.