We’re thrilled to invite you to take part in yet another historic showdown against one of the living legends of the game! Face GM Judit Polgar, the strongest woman in history and one of the most influential players the game has ever seen, in the upcoming Judit Polgar vs. The World match.
Polgar will play the opening move on February 6, alongside the debut of her new documentary, Queen of Chess, which is being released on Netflix for more than 300 million subscribers. Selected for screening at the prestigious 2026 Sundance Film Festival, the documentary tells the story of the young Hungarian prodigy who set out to challenge and rewrite the rules of the male-dominated chess world.
Register for the game here, and be a part of history as you play against the protagonist of Queen of Chess herself!
The event will be a single game of Daily Chess, with Judit playing with the white pieces. Each side will have 24 hours to play each move, with the World’s moves being decided by community vote. NM Dane Mattson will once again support the community with his insights.
Polgar is excited about the match, saying, “I look forward to this new challenge, playing a game against the global chess community. I challenge everyone to sign up and contribute, and I’m excited to see what the community plays!”
I challenge everyone to sign up and contribute, and I’m excited to see what the community plays!
—Judit Polgar
Judit will be the fourth player to take on the challenge of battling against the whole world on Chess.com. The series started in 2024, with members worldwide playing against the one and only GM Viswanathan Anand. It continued with clashes against GM Magnus Carlsen and IM Levy Rozman, each match breaking the record for the biggest chess game in history and attracting the attention of major media outlets such as The Guardian, AP Press, and Times of India.
Now, it’s time for the community to face one of the most legendary players in chess history. Polgar was not only a world-class player who set records, produced numerous brilliancies, and defeated world champions such as Anand, Anatoly Karpov, and Garry Kasparov. She was also a trailblazer who challenged the system and broke down gender barriers at the very highest levels of the game.
NM Sam Copeland, Chess.com’s Head of Community, said: “Since the 1980s when she broke onto the tournament scene as one of the greatest chess prodigies, Judit Polgar has been an incredible player, teacher, role model, and promoter of the game of chess. Chess is extremely fortunate to have Judit, and the Chess.com community is fortunate to have an opportunity to play against her!”
Chess is extremely fortunate to have Judit, and the Chess.com community is fortunate to have an opportunity to play against her!
—Sam Copeland, Chess.com’s Head of Community
The extraordinary story of the Queen of Chess arrives on Netflix on February 6; watch the official trailer below.
Despite retiring from competitive play, Judit remains an impactful and influential figure. She’s the founder of the Judit Polgar Chess Foundation, which promotes educational programs for children across different ages. Polgar is also the driving force behind the annual Judit Polgar Global Chess Festival, which celebrates the diversity, cultural values, and community-building power of chess and promotes it as an invaluable educational tool.
An acclaimed author and celebrated chess commentator, Polgar continues to inspire not only girls but also people of all backgrounds, genders, and ages on and off the chessboard.
And if you’re wondering if Judit still got it despite being retired from professional play since 2014, well… Here’s a video of her beating Carlsen in just 19 moves:
Now, only one question remains: Will the world be able to stop Polgar, or will she play yet another attacking brilliancy to stun the community?
Sign up to play now, and cast your vote on February 6 to make the World team’s first move while you enjoy “Queen of Chess” on Netflix!
