A large-scale production, a remarkable lineup
On 4 October 2025, Arlington, Texas, will become the stage for Checkmate: USA v. India, a high-profile international chess event to be held at Esports Stadium Arlington.
This initiative brings together some of the most recognisable names in modern chess alongside emerging talents, presenting the matches in a setting more typical of a North American sports spectacle than a traditional chess tournament. With large-scale production, a live audience, and broadcast coverage aimed at millions worldwide, the organisers seek to create an event that is both competitive and engaging to a broad public.
Lineup and matches
The programme features five pairings between players from the United States and India:
- Hikaru Nakamura (USA) v. Gukesh Dommaraju (India)
- Fabiano Caruana (USA) v. Arjun Erigaisi (India)
- Levy Rozman (USA) v. Sagar Shah (India)
- Carissa Yip (USA) v. Divya Deshmukh (India)
- Tanitoluwa Adewumi (USA) v. Ethan Vaz (India)
The lineup features four players from the world’s top ten alongside leading women players, youth prodigies and two of the best-known chess streamers globally, whose combined audiences exceed ten million followers.
Format
Facing the Sicilian doesn’t have to be complicated. The Alapin Variation (1.e4 c5 2.c3) offers a simple yet highly effective solution to all major Sicilian lines, by sidestepping them with 2.c3. Whether your opponent plays the Najdorf, Taimanov, or Dragon, the Alapin lets you take control of the game as early as move two.
Free video sample: Introduction
Free video sample: 2…g6
The event consists of five rounds, each featuring one USA v. India pairing.
- Time control: 10 minutes per player, with a one-second increment once the clock falls below one minute.
- No resignations: Games must be played to checkmate, stalemate, or flag.
- Colours: Team USA has White in all games played in Arlington, while India will hold White in the return leg.
In case of a drawn game, the following tiebreaks apply:
- A five-minute overtime game
- A one-minute shootout
- Additional one-minute games until a winner is determined
Event experience
Beyond the competition, Checkmate: USA v. India is designed as a full arena spectacle. The venue, Esports Stadium Arlington, will display the action on 90-foot LED screens, with national anthems, live interviews and staged player entrances contributing to a sports-style atmosphere. Around 2,500 fans are expected on site, with the matches also broadcast to a global audience.
The event begins on Saturday, 4 October at 17.00 CST (0.00 CEST / 18.00 ET / 3.30 IST). Each of the five games will be played consecutively, giving the audience a full evening of chess presented in a competitive yet accessible format.
