Vasilios Kasioumis Crowned Champion at the 2026 Chess.com 3-Check Championship
Final Standings and Prize Distribution
Qualifier Results and Tournament Overview
Highlights from the Knockout Stages
Upcoming Event: Atomic Chess Community Championships
Vasilios Kasioumis Triumphs at 2026 Chess.com 3-Check Championship
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2026 Chess.com 3-Check Championship, FM Vasilios Kasioumis emerged victorious, claiming the title after a hard-fought battle against IM Toivo Keinanen, the runner-up. After finishing second last year, Kasioumis returned with a vengeance, showcasing his skills in the double-elimination knockout format.
The championship featured a total prize pool of $2,500, attracting top players from around the globe. Kasioumis, known for his strategic prowess, faced Keinanen in the Grand Final, where the latter initially took the lead with a convincing 3-1 victory in the first match. However, Kasioumis quickly regrouped, sweeping the Reset match 3-0 to secure the championship.
IM Yoseph Theolifus Taher claimed third place, while last year’s champion, FM Matfey Rogov, finished fourth. The final standings were as follows:
| Rank | Name | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | FM Vasilios Kasioumis | $750 |
| 2nd | IM Toivo Keinanen | $500 |
| 3rd | IM Yoseph Taher | $350 |
| 4th | FM Matfey Rogov | $250 |
| 5th | Patrik Saar | $175 |
| 5th | Arian Rahimpour | $175 |
| 7th | Nikolaos Sklavounos | $100 |
| 7th | Malte Markert | $100 |
A Competitive Path to Victory
The tournament kicked off with eight qualifying events held over two days, each featuring a 75-minute arena format with a 3+0 time control. Players had to battle fiercely, with only one winner from each qualifier advancing to the knockout stage. Notable returning players included defending champion Rogov, Kasioumis, Taher, and others.
The knockout rounds saw Kasioumis dominate his matches, including a decisive 3-0 sweep against Malte Markert in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Taher pulled off a stunning upset against Rogov, eliminating the reigning champion.
A Grand Final to Remember
The Grand Final was a spectacle of skill and strategy. After Keinanen’s initial victory, Kasioumis showcased his resilience and tactical brilliance in the Reset match. His stunning knight sacrifice in the final game left commentators and fans in awe, with GM Jon Ludvig Hammer declaring it “one of the most beautiful combinations to win the game we’ve ever seen.”
Reflecting on his victory, Kasioumis noted, “I think the last time I overprepared and I was tired. This time, I focused on enjoying the game.”
What’s Next?
As the excitement of the 3-Check Championship fades, chess enthusiasts can look forward to the next event in the Community Championships series: Atomic Chess, set to take place in March. Details will be announced soon, inviting players to participate in the qualifiers for a chance to compete in the knockout rounds.
For more information on the tournament and to watch the matches, visit Chess.com.
The chess community eagerly anticipates the upcoming challenges and the chance to see more thrilling matches in the months to come!