Wynn, Las Vegas, Nevada

Chesstival 2025
July 13th

From Hardwood to Checkmate: Still Obsessed.

Access YouTube content below (shares data with third parties).

Accept Required Service More Information

“Chess taught me patience, vision, and how to stay calm under pressure.

I want kids who grow up like I did to have access to that.”

Derrick Rose

Where Icons Collide: From the NBA to the Chessboard

Co-organized with Freestyle Chess investor and former NBA MVP Derrick Rose, Chesstival is an innovative pro-am tournament: NBA stars pair up with elite chess players to compete in dynamic team formats and thrilling head-to-head battles. With big personalities, surprising pairings, and a format built for drama, Chesstival brings the energy of the court to the chessboard – redefining what a chess tournament can be.

Chesstival will feature two exciting competitions in one action-packed day: First, NBA stars will team up with chess players in the innovative Head & Hand format, battling for a $25K prize fund. Then, the intensity rises as NBA players go head-to-head in an exclusive Blitz tournament, competing for the title of NBA’s Ultimate Chess Champion and another $25K in prize money.

All prize money is provided by our partners chess.com and will be donated to a charity of the winners’ choice.

One Day. Two Tournaments. One Purpose

📅 July 13, 2025 – Wynn Las Vegas, Nevada

Opening
Ceremony

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

We will kick off Chesstival in style with a high-energy opening ceremony featuring NBA legends, chess grandmasters, and special guests. Expect bold entrances, team unveilings, and a first look at the players and personalities set to light up this one-of-a-kind event.

Head & Hand
Tournament:

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

The “Head & Hand” format pairs a chess grandmaster with an NBA player. One player (the “Head”) can only name a piece type – like “bishop” or “pawn” – while the other player (the “Hand”) decides how and where to move it. No additional clues allowed. All matches follow Freestyle Chess rules – with randomized back-rank setups.

Blitz
Tournament:

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

An exclusive chess tournament for current and former NBA players, where they’ll go head-to-head in a battle of strategy and skill to claim the title of NBA’s Ultimate Chess Champion. A Swiss tournament with Blitz time control (5 minutes per player) ensures fast-paced matches and a lot of action. All matches follow Freestyle Chess rules.

The Faces of Chesstival

Magnus Carlsen

World Rank (06/25) :

#1 ELO 2837

World Rank Best:

World ELO Best:

2882

Freestyle ELO:

2873

Current Place:

Derrick Rose

FIBA World Cup:

2x Gold

NBA MVP:

1x (2011)

NBA All-Star:

3× (2010–2012)

NBA Rookie of the Year:

1x (2009)

Secret Players

Experience the Action Live

Be part of the Chesstival action in person at the iconic Wynn Las Vegas. The tournament will take place in the elegant Lafite Ballroom – where NBA stars, chess champions, and special guests come together for a one-of-a-kind showdown. Tickets will be available soon. Do not miss your chance to witness the crossover event of the summer.

***Get your Ticket for Las Vegas***