Veselin Topalov Beats Garry Kasparov in Clutch Chess 2026

Veselin Topalov won the 2026 Clutch Chess Legends Chess960 match against Garry Kasparov in St. Louis, winning all three days of the contest.

Veselin Topalov has won the 2026 Clutch Chess: The Legends match in St. Louis. The Bulgarian former world champion beat Garry Kasparov in a three-day Chess960 contest, winning each of the three days.

Kasparov started the final day in the best possible way. With the black pieces he won the first rapid game in a new starting position. The second rapid game was drawn. Topalov then took control in the blitz games, winning both of them to secure the day and the match.

Over the twelve games of the match, Topalov won six, Kasparov won two and four were drawn. For fans of chess history it was a special event, a reminder of the many famous classical games these two legends played against each other years ago.

Chess960 suited both players' fighting styles. With no opening theory to rely on, every game was a real battle from the very first move. Both players had to find new plans in unfamiliar positions, often under heavy time pressure in the blitz games.

There is a valuable lesson here for every chess student. Neither player could depend on memorised preparation, yet both still played strong, creative chess. That is because they understand the principles behind the moves: develop your pieces, keep your king safe, fight for the centre and look for tactics. If you build your chess on principles instead of memory, you will play well in any position, including ones you have never seen before.

Kasparov's win at the start of the final day also shows his famous fighting spirit. Even when the match was slipping away, he kept trying to win games.

Congratulations to Veselin Topalov on his victory, and thanks to both legends for an entertaining contest.