Chess Hits the Big Stage

ARLINGTON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On October 4^th, 2025, the world’s spotlight turns to Arlington as America’s finest take on India’s stars in Checkmate: USA vs. India, a landmark global chess showdown at Esports Stadium Arlington, Texas’ premier esports venue.

Checkmate: USA vs. India will spotlight chess like never before—combining a high-drama, fast-paced format with the full spectacle of North American sports.

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Checkmate: USA vs. India will spotlight chess like never before—combining a high-drama, fast-paced format with the full spectacle of North American sports: national anthems, electrifying production, and edge-of-your-seat entertainment. With 2,500 fans in the arena and millions more expected to watch globally, this event reimagines how chess is played, celebrated, and broadcast to the world.

The head-to-head lineup features some of the most celebrated names in modern chess.

• Hikaru Nakamura (USA) vs. Gukesh D (IND)
  • The Blitz King vs The World Champ

• Fabiano Caruana (USA) vs. Arjun Erigaisi (IND)
  • The Ice vs The Intellect

Checkmate: USA vs. India will feature the top two players from each country, and four of the top five players in the world.

• Levy Rozman (USA) vs. Sagar Shah (India)
  • YouTube Royalty

The event will also include a never seen before showdown between two of the largest chess streamers in the world, that represent over 10 million combined followers.

• Carissa Yip (USA) vs. Divya Deshmukh (India)
  • Future Queens of Chess

• Tanitoluwa Adewumi (USA) vs. Ethan Vaz (India)
  • Under 15 Prodigies
    
    

Crucially, Checkmate: USA vs. India will introduce new and emerging chess stars to the world, and will have the best women’s and youth players faceoff in Dallas.

With national pride and global bragging rights on the line, this high-stakes series promises to be a must-watch cultural moment. Tickets go on sale May 1^st and are expected to sell out fast. Tickets available at: www.checkmateusaindia.com.

“This is the kind of event that elevates chess to the next level,” said Hikaru Nakamura, five-time U.S. Champion and international chess icon. “India has become one of the most exciting forces in global chess, and I’m thrilled to take them on in front of a live crowd here in the U.S. We want to show the world that America is home to some of the best players in the game—and that chess can be as thrilling and competitive as any major sport.”

Produced by Checkmate Strategic Ventures, the event brings together top players, organizers, sponsors, and streamers under one roof to reshape the future of chess entertainment.

“Chess is a global language, spoken by over 600 million players—and yet, its full power has never truly been unleashed on the world’s biggest screens," said Salim Belcadi of Checkmate Strategic Ventures, lead organizer of the series. "After witnessing the sold-out crowds and millions of viewers at the FIDE Candidates 2024, it became clear: chess is no longer just a game. It’s a spectacle waiting for its stage.

Checkmate: USA vs. India brings the world’s most iconic players into a battlefield of speed, tension, and unstoppable drama. A fast, breathtaking format. A clash of giants.

This is chess, reimagined for a new era.”

GLOBAL BROADCAST & STREAMING PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Request for Proposals (RFP) Now Open

With global chess viewership at an all-time high across YouTube, Twitch, Kick and OTT platforms, Checkmate: USA vs. India offers an unprecedented opportunity for broadcast and streaming partners.

Checkmate Strategic Ventures is currently reviewing proposals for:

• Live Broadcast & Streaming Rights
• Sponsorship & Brand Partnerships

For media inquiries and partnership proposals, please contact: partnerships@checkmatesv.com