In a thrilling opener to the Clutch Chess: Legends exhibition at the newly renovated Saint Louis Chess Club, chess icon Garry Kasparov has seized an early advantage over fellow legend Viswanathan Anand in their highly anticipated 12-game Chess960 showdown. The event, running from October 8 to 10, 2025, pits the two former world champions against each other in rapid and blitz formats, with escalating point values, starting at 1 point per win on Day 1 and rising to 3 on the final day, to heighten the drama and stakes. Read more: Kasparov – Anand 2025 Legends match info
Despite a Vishy Anand being in control most of rapid Game 1, it ended in a hard-fought draw. Game 2 of the rapid section also saw a draw on the board. Kasparov struck decisively in Game 1 of the blitz, converting a complex middlegame imbalance into a clinical victory under time pressure with black. A second game draw saw Kasparov take the 2,5 – 1,5 lead after Day 1.
Replay: Kasparov – Anand : Clutch Chess Legends match 2025 LIVE
The Clutch Chess: Legends match not only celebrates the club’s 30,000-square-foot expansion but also reignites the spark of 1990s chess glory, drawing global attention to the innovative exciting format. As the competition intensifies with blitz rounds ahead and a $144,000 prize pool on the line. As Day 2 dawns with doubled points at stake, all eyes turn to whether Kasparov’s aggressive flair can maintain the lead or if Anand’s tactical precision will spark a comeback.
Curious: Kasparov vs Anand 1996 PCA GP, original footage
