Chess.com’s traditional weekly event for streamers Arena Kings is back for its ninth season, starting on February 2 at 9 a.m. PST/18:00 CET. With a $40,000 prize fund and a new eight-player knockout format, this season promises to be the most exciting yet!

Last season, GM Hikaru Nakamura once more dominated the event and kept his crown. To defend his throne during the finals, Nakamura had to fend off IM Renato Terry, GM Jose Martinez, and GM Raunak Sadhwani.

This event will feature 10 regular and two Chess960 arenas spanning across 12 weeks. The arenas will culminate into the big Championship Final, where only the strongest players will battle for the title of Arena King.

Many of the most celebrated chess streamers like the Chessbrahs, GM Daniel Naroditsky, WFM Anna Cramling, and more are regular Arena Kings participants. Since the event is open for all Chess.com members, this is your chance to play against them in an official competition!

If you want to keep up with the action, make sure you tune in to Chess.com/TV on February 2 at 9 a.m PST/18:00 CET. You can also enjoy the show with expert commentary on Twitch.tv/chess or catch all our live broadcasts on YouTube.com/ChesscomLive.

Which streamers are you excited to watch in Season 9 of Arena Kings? Let us know in the comments below!