The international chess scene is buzzing with the announcement of a major overhaul to a fan-favorite online tournament, while local communities continue to foster the game’s growth at the grassroots level. From the high-stakes world of grandmaster competition to casual clubs for hobbyists, chess is gearing up for an exciting autumn season.
“Titled Tuesday” Relaunches with New Format and Massive Prize Fund
A new era is dawning for Titled Tuesday, the 11-year-old institution for the world’s top online players. In a landmark move, the weekly tournament is officially joining the prestigious Champions Chess Tour (CCT) and will now serve as part of the qualification cycle for the Esports World Cup (EWC). The revamped season is set to kick off on September 2, 2025, at 5:00 PM CET, introducing significant changes and a new broadcast partner, Take Take Take.
The new Titled Tuesday will feature three key adjustments. After three and a half years of running twice a week, the event will return to a single weekly tournament. The time control is also changing from 3+1 to 5+0, a move designed to align the format with the EWC’s 10+0 time control while preserving Titled Tuesday’s fast-paced, blitz character. Furthermore, with higher stakes comes greater responsibility; all participants will now be required to use new proctoring software as Chess.com continues its commitment to creating a secure and fair playing environment.
A $276,000 Prize Pool and New Seasonal Structure
The financial incentives have been massively boosted, with a new annual prize pool of $276,000 up for grabs. Each of the 52 weekly tournaments will feature a $3,000 prize fund—a 20% increase from the previous format—which will now be awarded to the top six finishers instead of five. In addition, streaming prizes are making a comeback, and a further $120,000 is allocated for top leaderboard placements across four distinct seasons.
Players will earn leaderboard points for every top-10 finish, with their best eight results counting toward their rank. The year will be divided into three competitive “splits”:
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Fall Season: September – November 2025
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Winter Season: December 2025 – February 2026
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Spring Season: March – May 2026
An off-season will follow, where Titled Tuesday continues with weekly prizes until the next cycle begins in September 2026. Each split will feature its own prize fund, including $15,500 for the open category, $5,500 for top women, $3,500 each for top seniors (50+) and juniors (U16), and $2,000 for top girls (U20).
Take Take Take Becomes Official Broadcast Partner
In a move set to elevate the viewing experience, Take Take Take, the innovative chess app co-founded by GM Magnus Carlsen, has been named the official broadcast partner for Titled Tuesday. The partnership aims to transform the weekly event into must-watch entertainment. Starting September 2, fans can tune in weekly for live coverage from a high-quality studio production led by sports journalist Kaja Snare, featuring analysis from star commentators like GM David Howell and appearances by other well-known guests.
“I’ve always enjoyed Titled Tuesday—it’s fast, competitive, and unpredictable,” Carlsen commented. “With the new format, prize structure, and live broadcasts, it’s going to be even more exciting to play in and to watch. I look forward to being part of a competition that feels like a real league, facing the best players week in and week out.”
Local Community Hosts Autumn Rapid Chess Championship
While the professional scene goes global, the passion for chess is thriving at the local level. In Mühlhausen, chess enthusiasts are invited to the Autumn Rapid Chess Championship, an event specifically for amateur players without a club membership. The tournament is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM at the Stadt-Werkstatt.
This event serves as the finale for the Ammern Chess Club’s popular summer chess series. The tournament is open to all ages and skill levels, promising an afternoon of excitement, concentration, and strategic thinking. Played in a rapid-play format with limited thinking time per game, the championship will conclude with a small awards ceremony to recognize the top players.
Participation in the local tournament is free, but space is limited. Interested players are encouraged to register by September 10. To sign up, please email [email protected] or call 0 36 01 – 44 27 91. When registering, please provide your name, age, and playing level (Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced). Whether you’re a seasoned hobbyist or a newcomer to the game, all are welcome for a fair and friendly competition.
