2026 Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown

Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown 2026 features Grandmasters Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu and Javokhir Sindarov and three days of fighting chess from October 27 – 29th. 

Clutch Chess is a unique type of chess tournament format, the brainchild of Grandmaster Maurice Ashley where the stakes build round by round with ever-increasing points and dollar prizes available each day. Unlike traditional chess tournaments, in Clutch Chess no lead is ever safe and every single game has meaning. Since point values for wins increase each day, players who start off slowly can stage dramatic comebacks all the way to the very end. 

On Day 1, each win is worth 1 point and $1,000. For Day 2, each win is worth 2 points and $2,000. And for day 3, each win is worth 3 points and $3,000.

In Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown, the prize fund will total $412,000 with each game played at a Rapid  time control of 10 min + 5 sec. The four prizes will be split first to fourth at $120K, $90K, $70K and $60K. There will be an additional $72,000 in bonus prizes. The prize from each drawn game will roll over into a Champion’s Jackpot, which only the winner of the tournament will receive. In case of a tie for first, there will be a playoff to determine the winner.

Whether it’s a match or a tournament, the Clutch Chess format guarantees that each and every game has meaning all the way to the finish line.

Watch the action

Follow the Saint Louis Chess Club on YouTube and Twitch for chess broadcasts and analysis.

Visit the Saint Louis Chess Club

Competition play begins at noon October 27–29 at the Saint Louis Chess Club, 4663 Maryland Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63108.

Plan your visit for directions, parking and nearby accommodations. For spectator and ticket inquiries, contact [email protected] or 314-361-2437.