How have we gone without Chessboxing for so long, I ask you?

Chessboxing.  Two things that sound wrong in the same sentence, let along the same word.  But yes, these two disciplines have been brought together to form what is, I have recently learned, the most incredible hybrid sport you could ever imagine. 

The rules are, there are no rules.  That’s a lie.  There’s tons.  But in essence, the state of play is thus:  two people battle it out for one round of chess (usually for four minutes) at the end of which the board is swiftly removed and both contenders slug it out in for a round of boxing (three minutes).   Rinse and repeat for 11 rounds, or until someone gets knocked out or achieves check mate.

It sounds bananas, and to a large extent, it is.  But it’s also wholeheartedly brilliant.  Last night I was witness to the latest event hosted by International Chessboxing at The Scala, Kings Cross.  I have to say, I’m hooked.

Several things struck me (not flying chess pieces, don’t worry).  Firstly, there’s the crowd.  If you didn’t notice the massive boxing ring on the stage, you’d be forgiven for thinking that people were gathering to watch a really fun band – it had that exciting, buzzy atmosphere you get just before a really good gig.  It were lovely.

Secondly (and this, I love) is that all the contestants have the most amazing professions when they’re not chessboxing.  Entering the ring we saw a research seismologist, an armourer from the Royal Opera House, a former policeman, a psychiatric nurse and an entrepreneur with a bio-technology start-up to name but a few.  It literally couldn’t differ any more to the hard up tales of your typical boxer.  As a result, there is almost something a touch ‘Fight Club’ about it.  These people don’t have to compete for their livelihoods.  They do it for glory.   

The event itself delivered a gripping undercard and an explosive headline contest, with an attentive crowd gazing on in merry awe.  Ultimately tonight, Nikolay ‘The Siberian Express’ Sazhin and Andy ‘The Rock’ Costello, met to answer the all-important question – who would win the International Chessboxing World Heavyweight title?  Their weapons of choice; their fists and their minds (seriously, what’s not to love?!?).

The last time these two met ‘The Siberian Express’ ended it all in the 7^th - would tonight’s battle merely serve as a reminder that Russians are somethin’ else when it comes to chess?  There was only one way to find out…

Seemingly, Costello’s athletic stature and the backing of a vocal home crowd, ensured that he began with a sense of confidence, and his chess skills came into their own with a strong opening.  The echoing of one another’s moves for the whole round was indicative of two skilled players taking their time to suss the other out.  Costello’s opening sequence of choice was the ‘King’s Indian Attack’, which Sazhin chose to counter with a ‘Sicilian defence’.  Finishing the round with level clock times, the bell rang and both men got down to some focused fighting.

Instantly, Costello’s superior strength was evident – you could practically feel his punches through the vibrations in the floor!  Understandably, Sazhin’s guard was strong and high, so The Rock opted for some impactful shots to the body.  Whilst he received some heavy blows also, he definitely dominated all the while.

More of the same ensued over the next few rounds with The Siberian Express championing the chess and Costello creating havoc in the boxing.  Then in the 4^th, Andy made a potentially game changing mistake with a weak move (Queen to E4, in this instance) seconds before the bell rang, allowing Sazhin the luxury of time during the boxing to think of a counter attack.  The Siberian observed his role as punch bag well and managed to get through two further rounds of boxing, before ending it all in the 9^th with a tidy check mate. 

All in all, both men displayed energy, focus and passion in abundance.  When combined with the concise and entertaining commentary delivered by Malcom Pein, a pretty popular card girl and a fair few gins (evidently the beverage of choice for chessboxing fans) you’d be hard pushed to find an event that can deliver as much bang for its buck.

My advice to you, get your ticket to the next event.  You will not be disappointed.*

*You might be disappointed.  I have no control over your personal preferences. 


Huge thanks to James Bartosik for the pics above.