The Chess Journal

Hikaru Nakamura Breaks the Internet: How He Smashed the 3408 Blitz Rating Barrier!

May 15, 2025 Sam the Chess Man

On May 13, 2025, GM Hikaru Nakamura once again etched his name in chess history by achieving a staggering Chess.com blitz rating of 3408-the highest ever recorded on the platform....

Empowering At-Risk Youth Through Chess: The 'Chess for Life' Initiative in Lethbridge, Alberta

May 08, 2025 Sam the Chess Man

A Lethbridge-based initiative is using the game of chess to empower at-risk youth by teaching them critical thinking, patience, and resilience. Through mentorship and community, the 'Chess for Life' program...

DrLupo’s Cheating Scandal at PogChamps 6: What Happened and Why It Matters

May 01, 2025 Sam the Chessman

Popular streamer Benjamin “DrLupo” Lupo was recently embroiled in a high-profile cheating scandal during the $100,000 PogChamps 6 online chess tournament. The event, hosted by Chess.com, is known for featuring...

Carlsen’s Perfect 9/9 at Grenke: A Modern Echo of Fischer’s Greatness

April 21, 2025 Sam the Chess Man

Magnus Carlsen scores a perfect 9/9 at the 2025 Grenke Freestyle Chess Open, echoing Fischer’s legacy and redefining greatness in a bold new chess era.

Ju Wenjun is the 2025 FIDE Women's World Chess Champion

April 18, 2025 Sam the Chess Man

Chinese chess grandmaster Ju Wenjun has once again proven her dominance in the world of chess by securing her fifth FIDE Women's World Chess Championship title this week, joining the...

Magnus Carlsen Dominates in Paris, Clinches Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Without a Tiebreak

April 14, 2025 Sam the Chess Man

Magnus Carlsen reigns supreme in Paris, capturing the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam title without needing a single tiebreak. In a thrilling finale against rival Hikaru Nakamura, Carlsen proved that even...

Checkmates and Second Chances: How Chess is Changing Lives in Canadian Prisons

April 09, 2025 Sam the Chess Man

Chess is proving to be more than just a game; it's becoming a valuable tool for rehabilitation within the Canadian prison system. Programs like the one led by Carl Portman...

Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Kicks Off Today in Paris — Let the Mind Games Begin!

April 07, 2025 Sam the Chess Man

The Freestyle Chess Grand Slam kicks off today in Paris, shaking up the chess world with its thrilling Chess960 format. Featuring legends like Magnus Carlsen and rising stars like Gukesh...