The Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2026, often called the Wimbledon of Chess, returns to Wijk aan Zee with one of the strongest classical lineups of the year. Featuring the Tata Steel Chess Masters and Challengers, this legendary round-robin event brings together world champions, elite grandmasters, rising stars, and future prodigies competing under classical time controls from January 17 to February 1, 2026. In this video, we break down the tournament’s rich history, the 2026 format, the Masters and Challengers fields, and why Tata Steel remains one of the most important events in the global chess calendar.

Hikaru Nakamura has officially declined his invitation to play in the FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship, choosing instead to focus on another major world championship event later this year. In this video, we break down Hikaru Nakamura’s statement, explore the implications for freestyle chess, and discuss whether a hierarchy of world championships exists in modern chess. With FIDE, Freestyle Chess, elite players, and the future of chess titles all in focus, this decision raises important questions about prestige, scheduling, and governance at the highest level of the game.

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How much do chess players really make in 2025? From million-dollar prize winnings at elite tournaments to the harsh financial reality faced by most professional chess players, this video breaks down chess prize money, tournament earnings, and how income is distributed across the chess world. Using official prize data from major international events, we explore how top grandmasters earn their money, why only a small percentage of players make a full-time living from chess, and how most professionals rely on coaching, streaming, sponsorships, and other income sources to survive.The Top Chess Prizewinners In 2025, And How Much They Won - Chess.com

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