Topalov Wins Clutch Chess: The Legends, Defeating Kasparov in Their Latest Battle in Saint Louis

SAINT LOUIS (September 14, 2026) — FIDE World Chess Champion Veselin Topalov defeated legendary World Champion Garry Kasparov in the 12-game Clutch Chess: The Legends, held Sept. 11–13 at the Saint Louis Chess Club, earning the $90,000 first prize. Kasparov finished runner-up with $54,000.

The three-day Chess960 (Fischer Random) exhibition brought two of chess’s most influential champions back to the board in Saint Louis. Played at rapid and blitz time controls, the innovative Clutch Chess format increased the stakes each day, with wins worth one point on Day 1, two points on Day 2 and three points on Day 3.

Topalov established his dominance early and maintained control of the match as the weekend progressed, showcasing the creativity, adaptability and fighting spirit that have defined his career. Kasparov also delivered several trademark moments of brilliance, making the return of the legendary rivalry a memorable event for fans in Saint Louis and around the world.

“Garry had a very good position and was outplaying me, and it brought back memories of when we played many years ago at the chess academy. I’ve played Garry many times, and he always tries to find the very best moves,” said Veselin Topalov. “That’s what makes playing him so difficult and so special. I’m very happy to have had the chance to play him again. Garry could lose all the games for the rest of his life, and it wouldn’t change what he has accomplished in chess. It was a privilege to share the board with him again.”

“I wasn’t quite at my best in the openings, but today I played better and I still think I could have played even better and perhaps pulled out the win. Veselin clearly did some work and came well prepared,” said Garry Kasparov. “Next year I’ll be 64, so maybe that’s a good time for a final show, but I think I can still put together some good chess and hopefully give the fans a few more memorable games.”

The match added another chapter to one of chess’s most celebrated rivalries. 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. The two legends met again in a Chess960 exhibition in 2019 before returning to the board in Saint Louis this weekend.

The $144,000 prize fund was awarded across the 12-game match, with additional daily game bonuses of $1,000 for a victory on Day 1, $2,000 on Day 2 and $3,000 on Day 3.

Hosted by the Saint Louis Chess Club, Clutch Chess: The Legends showcased the creativity and unpredictability of Chess960 while giving fans the opportunity to see two former world champions compete once again. 

Fans around the world can rewatch all the action and expert commentary from the world-class broadcast team featuring GMs Yasser Seirawan and Maurice Ashley, along with sportscaster James Dash Patterson through the Saint Louis Chess Club’s YouTube and Twitch channels.

Next up: the Saint Louis Chess Club will host the 2026 U.S. Chess Championship and the 2026 U.S. Women’s Chess Championship with rounds beginning Oct. 9. Visit saintlouischessclub.org for more information.

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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.