Chess.com will host its Spell Chess Championship from July 15 to July 17 as part of the Community Championships series. The online event offers $2,500 in prizes and features a chess variant that incorporates magical spells.
The tournament begins with eight qualifiers held across July 15 and 16. Each qualifier runs as a 75-minute arena using a 3+2 time control. Players advance from the qualifiers to an eight-player double-elimination final on July 17, also played at 3+2 time control.
In Spell Chess, competitors receive two potions per game. These allow them to freeze sections of the board or enable pieces to jump over others. Organizers have banned dark magic and may require video verification for fair play.
GM Luca Moroni Jr. won the previous edition. The Italian champion defeated Luis Ignacio in the final after overcoming a two-point deficit.
Registration opens through the Chess.com platform for all interested participants.