Chess.com is excited to announce our newest partnership with viral Portal sculptures as we celebrate the upcoming International Chess Day with our Portals x Chess.com event. On July 20, starting at 10 a.m. ET / 16:00 CEST, players in Dublin, Lublin, Philadelphia, and Vilnius will have the opportunity to participate in a first-of-its-kind event that combines online and over-the-board chess, connecting chess fans from around the world.
We invite fans to attend the Portals x Chess.com event in person to watch and play chess—and experience the unique sense of connection that Portal sculptures provide.
Portals are interactive sculptures that blur the line between the virtual and physical worlds. Through round sculptures, people from around the world can connect and interact via a live, unfiltered video feed that runs 24/7.
For the first time in history, these Portals will connect four cities across two continents to play and celebrate the universal game of chess. The event will bring together titled players and creators to play against each other. Each Portal will serve as a digital window, allowing players to see one another while they’re playing.
During the event, participants will play on ChessUp 2 boards, further strengthening their bonds. ChessUp 2 allows players from anywhere in the world to play over-the-board chess against one another. Using sensors and squares that light up, these smart boards transcend the location barrier, allowing people who are not in the same room to connect and play chess with physical pieces.
Fans can gather at their city’s Portal to watch the event and play chess against other locals. Chess.com will partner with chess clubs to provide chess sets to the public, and some locations will even feature a giant chessboard.
Locations & Schedule
Our International Chess Day celebration with Portals will start at TIME ET on July 20 across four different cities. Check out the exact location and start time in local time zones below:
Community International Chess Day Arena
Members who can’t make it to one of the event’s locations can still join our Community Arena to celebrate this year’s International Chess Day. We’ll be hosting a two-hour arena starting on July 20 at 9 a.m. ET / 15:00 CEST / 6:30 p.m. IST. Make sure you’re a member of our Community club and join the arena to celebrate this special day—and maybe even win a free Diamond membership!
- Day: July 20
- Start time: 9 a.m. ET / 15:00 CEST / 6:30 p.m. IST
- Format: Two-hour score-based arena
- Time control: 3+0
- Prizes:
- 1st: One-year Diamond membership
- 2nd: Six-month Diamond membership
- 3rd: Three-month Diamond membership
How will you celebrate this year’s International Chess Day? Let us know in the comments below!
