NFL Stars Play Chess: Battle in $100K BlitzChamps IV Tournament

We're excited to announce the next edition of BlitzChamps, the viral online tournament where NFL stars go head-to-head in blitz chess. BlitzChamps IV returns on June 16, starting at 4 p.m. ET / 22:00 CEST. This year’s showdown features a $100,000 charitable prize pool and a stacked roster of current and former NFL athletes.

Now in its fourth edition, BlitzChamps has become a fan-favorite cross-over event, merging two worlds that thrive on strategy, quick thinking, and competition. This year’s lineup includes AJ Dillon, Justin Herbert, two-time Super Bowl champion Justin Reid, Harrison Phillips, Super Bowl LII champion Mack Hollins, and retired Super Bowl XLVIII champion Richard Sherman, who will compete virtually, where both prestige and money for their favorite causes are on the line. 

BlitzChamps III was won by New Orleans Saints Safety and returning competitor, Justin Reid. Reid was thrilled to bring the prize pool to JReid InDeed, a charitable organization he founded that focuses on supporting disadvantaged youth and communities through interactive programs, community engagement, and access to technology. The foundation focuses on children in underserved communities of Houston, Baton Rouge, and Kansas City.

Mack Hollins is also a BlitzChamps veteran and has been newly signed to the New England Patriots. Mack won his quarterfinal matchup in BlitzChamps III, but is eager to get back to the board for a shot at the title and to support the Thumbs Up Mission which supports families where a parent or child is fighting cancer by battling fear through infusing hope, inspiring laughter, and instilling an eternal perspective in each family they serve.

“BlitzChamps is always a wild ride,” says Chess.com’s Chief Chess Officer, Danny Rensch. “It’s incredible to see some of the NFL’s top talent go head-to-head in a tournament that not only fuels their competitive spirit but also supports causes they care deeply about. We love BlitzChamps and are thrilled to keep bringing the NFL and its personalities into the chess arena.”

It’s incredible to see some of the NFL’s top talent go head-to-head in a tournament that not only fuels their competitive spirit but also supports causes they care deeply about.
— Danny Rensch, Chess.com's CCO

This edition of BlitzChamps features a few new names. AJ Dillon, the 27-year-old and newly signed running back to the current Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles, is participating for the first time and competing to support the Dillon Family Foundation, his charitable foundation that combats hunger in communities.

Star LA Chargers, Quarterback Justin Herbert, will also be joining BlitzChamps for the first time. Justin is competing to support Para Los Niños, an L.A.-based organization that brings together education, early intervention, mental health, public health, community engagement, and leadership development. 

Harrison Phillips, Defensive Tackle for the Minnesota Vikings, is also new to BlitzChamps. Although he’s new to chess, he’s no stranger to high-pressure situations, quick decision-making, and elite competition. Harrison is an NFL veteran, but new to BlitzChamps and playing on behalf of Harrison’s Playmakers, his self-founded foundation that is committed to coaching and mentoring children facing social, physical, and economic challenges.

Past BlitzChamps tournaments have featured Hall of Famers and record-breaking legends like Michael Vick and Larry Fitzgerald Jr. This year continues that tradition with the addition of Richard Sherman, former cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Known for his sharp mind, outspoken personality, and fierce competitiveness on the field, Sherman brings that same intensity to the chessboard, and fans can look forward to seeing how his strategic mindset plays out in the BlitzChamps arena. Richard Sherman will be playing for his own foundation, Blanket Coverage Foundation, which aims to provide students in low income communities with school supplies and clothing so they can more adequately achieve their goals.

All matches in BlitzChamps IV will be best-of-two. After round one, the double-elimination format splits players into a winners bracket (5+1 time control) and a losers bracket (3+1). In the event of a tie, players will compete in a sudden-death match (3+1).

The winner will get $30,000 to donate to their charity of choice, with a further $70,000 of charity cash divided among the rest of the field.

Tune in on June 16 at 4:00 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT. You can watch the live broadcast of the event on Chess.com/TV or on Chess.com's Twitch and YouTube channels.