Chess.com is excited to announce the launch of Team Chess Battle—a new tournament that brings banter, chat, and great games from some of the best in the business.

What makes this event different? It’s a 2v2 team tournament where the players are allowed to confer at any time, giving the viewer an incredible insight into how they think and communicate.

Eight iconic duos made up of the biggest personalities in the game—and some of its strongest players—are lined up for the Team Chess Battle starting on February 21.

The teams include GM Hikaru Nakamura and IM Levy Rozman, GM Anish Giri and IM Danny Rensch, GM Wesley So and IM Alice Lee, and GM Fabiano Caruana and GM Cristian Chirila.

Chess legends GM Peter Leko and GM Pia Cramling will also compete along with the commentating greats GM Robert Hess and GM Daniel Naroditsky, plus super-streamer GM Eric Hansen and his Dutch destroyer teammate, GM Jorden van Foreest.

Perhaps the most exciting addition for some—particularly fans of the old Chess24 broadcasts—will be the tagteam of GMs Peter Svidler and Jan Gustafsson competing on Chess.com.

The Team Chess Battle promises to be an event like no other with thrilling games and fascinating chat as players streaming from different venues are able to speak openly on strategy and moves at any time.

The format is an eight-team knockout with two-game matches and a bidding armageddon tiebreak if necessary. Each game will be played with a 10+10 time control, and the final will be played over a four-game match. The prize pool will be $25,000.

Chess.com’s Team Chess Battle kicks off on Wednesday, February 21, at 1 p.m. ET. / 18:00 CET / 10:30 p.m. IST.

You can catch all the action of the 2024 Team Chess Battle on Chess.com/TV or on Chess.com’s Twitch and YouTube channels. Tune in to enjoy the players’ banter while they battle.