Ascend to Glory: Join the Chess.com King of the Hill Chess Championship!
Get Ready to Climb the Heights: Chess.com King of the Hill Championship Approaches
May 6-8, 2026 – Chess enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The highly anticipated Chess.com King of the Hill Chess Championship is set to take place from May 6 to May 8, featuring a thrilling $2,500 prize fund and the most audacious king maneuvers you’ve ever witnessed.
King of the Hill, one of the oldest and most beloved variants on Chess.com, retains the classic rules of chess but introduces an exhilarating twist: players can win by moving their king to the central squares—d4, e4, d5, and e5—known as the “hill.” This added layer of strategy invites players to take bold risks, making for a dynamic and unpredictable gaming experience.
The championship kicks off with qualifiers on May 6 and 7, offering four time slots each day. Each qualifier will be a 75-minute arena with a 3+0 time control, allowing players to engage in fast-paced action. Aspiring competitors can check the qualifier schedule and click the “Join” button to participate.
In a commitment to fair play, participants may be asked to join a fair play call, requiring them to set up two cameras from different angles in their playing area. Those who refuse will be removed from the event, ensuring a level playing field for all.
The winners of each qualifier will advance to the Finals on May 8, where they will face off in an eight-player double-elimination knockout bracket. Only the most daring and skilled players will ascend to claim the title of King of the Hill champion.
Last year, the championship was a nail-biter, with GM Mitrabha Guha emerging victorious after a dramatic showdown against FM Semyon Puzyrevsky. After a tense tie in the Grand Final, Mitrabha clinched the title and a $750 prize in the final game of the Grand Final Reset.
Do you have what it takes to conquer the hill and seize the crown? Join the Chess.com King of the Hill Chess Championship qualifiers on May 6 and 7! For more details, visit the qualifier schedule and prepare for an unforgettable chess showdown!