Mack Hollins Claims First BlitzChamps Title, Donates $30,000 to Charity
Highlights from BlitzChamps V: NFL Stars Battle on the Chessboard
Mack Hollins Claims First BlitzChamps Title, Donates $30,000 to Charity
May 26, 2026 — In a thrilling showdown that showcased both strategy and skill, New England Patriots receiver Mack Hollins emerged victorious at the BlitzChamps V tournament, claiming his first title after three attempts. The event, held on Chess.com, featured a star-studded lineup of NFL players, including two-time defending champion Justin Reid of the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
Hollins, who dominated the competition, won every match, culminating in a nail-biting final against Herbert. His victory not only earned him the coveted title but also a $30,000 donation to his chosen charity, the Free The Feet Foundation.
Early Rounds: A Battle of Titans
The tournament kicked off with a mix of seasoned players and newcomers. The top four finishers from last year’s event easily dispatched their opponents, with Reid defeating Giants cornerback Paulson Adebo and Herbert overcoming Chiefs quarterback Justin Fields. Hollins, however, made headlines by defeating his teammate K. J. Britt, setting the stage for an exciting tournament.
As the rounds progressed, the competition intensified. In a surprising twist, Hollins knocked out Reid in the second round with a decisive 2-0 victory, showcasing his tactical prowess by countering Reid’s unconventional opening play.
Meanwhile, Herbert edged out Kyler Murray in a closely contested match, while Britt eliminated Adebo and Surratt took down Fields, setting up a dramatic series of matchups.
The Road to the Grand Final
The stakes rose in the winner’s bracket final, where Hollins faced Herbert in the first armageddon match of the day. Hollins executed a brilliant fork move, securing his place in the Grand Final for the first time. In the losers bracket, Murray avenged his previous defeats by eliminating Reid, who took the loss in stride, humorously tweeting, “Guess I’m gonna go play golf now…”
Murray then faced Herbert in a rematch, but Herbert’s experience shone through as he secured his spot in the Grand Final.
Grand Final: A Clash of Strategy
The Grand Final began with high tension as both players showcased their skills. Herbert initially gained a winning position but faltered, allowing Hollins to seize a crucial pawn and push for promotion. With a draw needed to clinch the title, Hollins quickly built a material advantage in the second game. However, Herbert’s resilience led to a miraculous comeback, forcing the match into armageddon.
In the decisive final game, Hollins delivered a masterclass performance, applying relentless pressure on Herbert’s kingside until it crumbled. The victory was a testament to Hollins’ preparation and growth as a chess player, having practiced more deliberately over the past year.
After the tournament, both players joined commentators for an insightful interview. Hollins shared his strategic evolution, while Herbert reflected on his progress since last year, even mentioning a lesson with Women’s FIDE Master Anna Cramling.
A Celebration of Charity and Competition
BlitzChamps V not only highlighted the competitive spirit of NFL stars but also their commitment to philanthropy, with a total prize fund of $100,000 distributed among charities of the players’ choice. Hosted by Grandmaster Aman Hambleton, Barstool Sports personality T-Bob Herbert, and NFL Media’s analytics expert Cynthia Frelund, the tournament captivated chess and sports fans alike.
As the dust settles on this year’s BlitzChamps, Mack Hollins stands tall as the champion, proving that the game of chess is as much about strategy as it is about heart.