NFL Stars and Chess Masters Face Off at BlitzChamps Event Before Super Bowl

The intersection of chess and football collided in a spectacular event before the Super Bowl in New Orleans this past Friday. Several NFL stars, including future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald Jr., joined forces with chess grandmaster Maurice Ashley and FIDE Master James Canty for a night of BlitzChamps Live tournament action.

The festivities, organized by Chess.com in collaboration with NFL Legends, saw current and former NFL players, league staff, media personnel, and other guests come together to enjoy the party on Canal Street. The highlight of the evening was the single-elimination blitz tournament, which culminated in a thrilling final between Will Davis, a former NFL cornerback, and Emeka Onyenekwu, a former defensive end with the Miami Dolphins.

In a nail-biting showdown, Will Davis emerged victorious, taking home the BlitzChamps title. The event also featured Super Bowl-themed chess boards for guests to play on, with Larry Fitzgerald Jr. and Maurice Ashley showcasing their skills in friendly matches.

James Canty, a featured guest at the event, entertained the crowd with lessons and blindfold games, adding to the excitement of the evening. NFL stars like Arik Armstead and former Panthers players Steve Smith Sr. and Jonathan Stewart also graced the event with their presence.

The tournament, hosted by Maurice Ashley, featured a lineup of 12 competitors, including former NFL players and BlitzChamps alumni. The games were played on DGT boards, with the action relayed on a giant digital screen featuring a custom American football board theme.

In the end, it was Will Davis who emerged as the champion, receiving a trophy from Maurice Ashley in a final ceremony. The event showcased the growing connection between chess and football, bringing together two worlds in a night of fun and competition.