Event Information

Where Icons Collide: From the NBA to the Chessboard

Name: Chesstival 2025 July 13th - Las Vegas
Start: 2025-07-13T14:00:00.000-07:00
End: 2025-07-13T19:00:00.000-07:00
Location: Wynn Las Vegas

Co-organized with Freestyle Chess investor and former NBA MVP Derrick Rose, Chesstival is an innovative pro-am tournament: NBA stars pair up with elite chess players to compete in dynamic team formats and thrilling head-to-head battles. With big personalities, surprising pairings, and a format built for drama, Chesstival brings the energy of the court to the chessboard – redefining what a chess tournament can be.

Chesstival will feature two exciting competitions in one action-packed day: First, NBA stars will team up with chess players in the innovative Head & Hand format, battling for a $25K prize fund. Then, the intensity rises as NBA players go head-to-head in an exclusive Blitz tournament, competing for the title of NBA’s Ultimate Chess Champion and another $25K in prize money.

All prize money is provided by our partners Chess.com and will be donated to a charity of the winners’ choice.

One Day. Two Tournaments. One Purpose

Opening Ceremony (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM):

We will kick off Chesstival in style with a high-energy opening ceremony featuring NBA legends, chess grandmasters, and special guests. Expect bold entrances, team unveilings, and a first look at the players and personalities set to light up this one-of-a-kind event.

Head & Hand Tournament (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM):

The “Head & Hand” format pairs a chess grandmaster with an NBA player. One player (the “Head”) can only name a piece type - like “bishop” or “pawn” - while the other player (the “Hand”) decides how and where to move it. No additional clues allowed. All matches follow Freestyle Chess rules - with randomized back-rank setups.

Blitz Tournament (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM):

An exclusive chess tournament for current and former NBA players, where they’ll go head-to-head in a battle of strategy and skill to claim the title of NBA’s Ultimate Chess Champion. A Swiss tournament with Blitz time control (5 minutes per player) ensures fast-paced matches and a lot of action. All matches follow Freestyle Chess rules.