Announcing BlitzChamps With NFL Stars Fitzgerald, Thibodeaux, Parsons, And More!
Football fans, rejoice! If you've ever caught yourself squeezing some bullet games in between Super Bowl commercials, we have good news. Chess.com is excited to announce BlitzChamps, an event where NFL stars will compete in a series of rapid games to prove who has the best moves! The event is happening on July 9 and 10 at 1 p.m. PT, with players competing for a piece of the $100,000 prize fund for their favorite charity, not to mention the bragging rights.
One of the greatest wide receivers of all time, Larry Fitzgerald, headlines the field. The second-leading receiver in NFL history and surefire future Hall of Famer is a longtime chess aficionado.
Another confirmed player for the event is Kayvon Thibodeaux, fifth overall pick in the 2022 draft and the New York Giants' newest pass rusher. Football and chess fans know that Thibodeaux is no stranger to the royal game and even attributes part of his success to chess.
.@kayvont's FIRST interview as a Giant
— GiantsTV (@GiantsTV) April 29, 2022
Highlights and more draft coverage now streaming on @GiantsTV - free on @AppleTV, @Roku, and @amazonfiretv pic.twitter.com/6a21TyunpE
The Giants linebacker isn't the only player making moves over the board. Another football-playing chess veteran in the event is WR Amari Cooper of the Cleveland Browns. The four-time Pro Bowler will be a formidable challenger to whoever stands in his way. Like Thibodeaux, Cooper also uses chess as a tool to improve his play—a strategy that has been clearly working in his favor:
Cooper will have to stay on top of his game, though, as his former teammate and chess rival LB Micah Parsons is coming for him. The two players faced each other over the board when Cooper was still playing for Parsons' Dallas Cowboys. Back then, each player got one win. Now, they'll have the chance to show who truly dominates the chessboard. And while Cooper uses chess to improve his game, the 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year Parsons plays chess to build a champion mentality:
And what might ensue between Thibodeaux and Parsons? A rookie and second-year player, respectively, they play the same position for hated division rivals in New York and Dallas. We know that both can win their matchup against any offensive lineman, but who will win the chess match?
Make sure you tune in to Chess.com/TV or to our Twitch and YouTube channels on July 9 to watch these and other football stars playing their best moves!
Who are you excited to see battle it out in BlitzChamps? Let us know in the comments below!
