Watch The CoachChamps Action Unfold As Round-Robins Start On October 7

You can check out more details on the event's page.

What Have The Students Been Saying About Their Coaches?

And how do the students feel about their coaches? We've asked the players to share a little more about their experiences with their coaches since being drafted. This is what they had to say:

Coachchamps has been such an incredible experience and opportunity. My coach has been incredibly fun to work with and get to know. I can absolutely see that my chess has gotten better, and that it's all started to click. I can't wait to see where all that I've learned takes me moving forward.
- @moonzzs about CM Can Kabadayi

Training with my coach, NM Robert Ramirez, has been amazing!
He spotted my weaknesses right away and pushed me to turn them into strengths. After just three weeks, I finally feel like I have a real game plan—no matter what happens on the chessboard. He's given me the essential tools to play with confidence and truly enjoy the game,
taking away so much of the stress that usually comes with playing chess!
- @Thanos-V about NM Robert Ramirez

Have thoroughly enjoyed my two coaching sessions with the great GM Ben Finegold. We managed to cover a wide selection of chess aspects, from dissecting games, puzzles, traps, and tactics. I just hope I remember some of them for the tournament. I really don't want to let him down next week! 
- @wioldhorse about GM Ben Finegold

Working with András Tóth has completely reshaped how I think about chess. He doesn't just hand me moves; he teaches me how to think like a stronger player. Every session leaves me with both a breakthrough moment and a clear next step. It's challenging, it's fun, and I can feel my game leveling up.
- @ClingermanChess about IM Andras Toth

I was very honored and excited to have been selected by Coach Andras Toth for the event. I have been a fan of his since I picked up chess six years ago, and soon thereafter discovered his YouTube channel and the Chess Principles Reloaded courses on Chessable. His energy, knowledge, and passion towards teaching come through in the lessons, and he was spot on with exactly what I needed at my current point in chess development. No matter how I perform in the CoachChamps competition, I will take what he has taught me and continue to improve, and most importantly, enjoy the game of chess. 
- @Southernrun about IM Andras Toth

Training with GM Arturs Neiksans was an incredible experience. In just one month, he sharpened my calculation and time management and gave me a much deeper understanding of key chess principles. I will try my best to apply these lessons in the upcoming tournament. I'm honored by the opportunity and excited to apply these lessons to achieve my future goals in chess.

In addition, competing in the CoachChamps 2025 tournament as a chess student and improver is an incredible life experience. A huge thank you to the Chess.com and community team for awarding me the opportunity. This platform is a goldmine for any chess fan looking to improve.
- @SMTariqulIslam about GM Arturs Neiksans

Working with Levy Rozman (Gotham Chess) is a dream come true. I first learned chess from his YouTube channel, and now he answers my questions and gives me advice that helps me improve every game.
- @QQQ1M about IM Levy Rozman

IM David Pruess has a very optimistic attitude and is always willing to share his vast knowledge of chess with the students. He doesn't keep any secrets, and the questions I have posed to him have been greeted with thorough, detailed answers. He treats us with the utmost respect, is readily available for plenty of lessons, and analyzes our games with his brain, not the engine, which I also appreciate very much. In short, he's an excellent coach, and I hope I can make him proud in this event. 
- @kiriyamakazuo about IM David Pruess

My experience getting coached by David Pruess has been excellent. He tailors his lessons around my preferred playstyle and provides insights to improve my gameplay with this in mind. I respect his patience and ability to walk me through more fundamental concepts, while also pushing me to play outside of my comfort zone to further enhance some of my strengths. David and the ChessDojo have been excellent support throughout this event, and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to improve their game.
- @kashcarbon about IM David PruessPruess

Working with David has been a game changer for my CoachChamps preparation. His practical advice has really sharpened my tactics and helped me slow down and stay patient in 10+2 games. Now I feel confident and ready to give my best in the tournament.
- @Gothanburgess about IM David Pruess

What Is The Format Of The Competition?

We invited 32 students to participate in CoachChamps. These students were divided into four groups of eight based on their rating before their coaching sessions: Under-800, Under-1200, Under-1600, and Under-2000.

Each of the eight invited coaches then drafted players to their team based on their Chess.com stats. 

Now, each group will compete in a single round-robin with a 10+2 time control. At the end of the round-robin, players earn points for their coaches based on their final standings:

• 1st: 8 points
• 2nd: 7 points
• 3rd: 6 points
• 4th: 5 points
• 5th: 4 points
• 6th: 3 points
• 7th: 2 points
• 8th: 1 point

Coaches' results are then determined by the sum of points from all of their students. 

What's The Prize Fund?

In addition to bragging rights, coaches will also compete for a share of the event's $20,000 prize fund. Check out the prize distribution below:

Are you excited to enjoy all the CoachChamps action? Then tune in to our YouTube and Twitch channels on October 7!