Join the Magic: Chess.com Spell Chess Championship Awaits!
Calling All Wizards and Witches: The Chess.com Spell Chess Championship Awaits!
July 15-17, 2026 – Get ready to unleash your inner sorcerer! The highly anticipated Chess.com Spell Chess Championship is set to take place from July 15 to July 17, featuring a magical prize pool of $2,500. This enchanting event is part of the Chess.com Community Championships and promises to be a spellbinding experience for chess enthusiasts and magic lovers alike.
Spell Chess is a captivating variant where the traditional game of chess meets the whimsical world of magic. Players can wield two potions to cast spells that can freeze sections of the board or empower pieces to leap over their opponents. This chaotic twist on the classic game allows for supernatural strategies that can turn the tide of battle in an instant. For a deeper dive into the mechanics, check out IM Eric Rosen as he explains the variant and showcases some thrilling gameplay.
The championship kicks off with eight qualifiers spread across July 15 and 16. Each qualifier will be a 75-minute arena featuring a 3+2 time control. Whether you’re a party magician or a powerful spellcaster, everyone is invited to join the magical fray. To participate, simply check the qualifier schedule and hit the Join button!
While spells are encouraged, participants are reminded to avoid Dark Magic to maintain a fair and safe playing environment. Players may be required to join a video call for fair-play checks, setting up two cameras from different angles in their playing space. Those who refuse to comply will face banishment from this magical realm.
The stakes are high! The winner of each qualifier will earn a coveted spot in the Final on July 17. This ultimate showdown will feature an eight-player double-elimination knockout bracket, where only the most cunning and strategic players will survive the magical onslaught.
Last year, the championship was claimed by four-time Italian champion GM Luca Moroni Jr., who triumphed over Spell Chess specialist Luis Ignacio in a nail-biting final. Moroni, who overcame a two-point deficit to force tiebreaks, secured his title for the second consecutive year, proving that he is indeed the undisputed Spell Chess champion.
Are you ready to enchant the chess world with your powerful tactics? Don’t miss your chance to join the qualifiers on July 15 and 16! The magical battlefield awaits—may the best wizard win!