Vladimir Kramnik, the retired former World Chess Champion, triumphed in the ‘Clash of Blames’ with a 19-17 score against rising star José Martínez, emphasizing his belief that true chess mastery must bridge both online and traditional formats. This unique event, held over three days and consisting of 36 games, aimed to address ongoing concerns about the credibility of online chess competitions. Kramnik’s dramatic comeback on the final day showcased his classical expertise against Martínez's aggressive play.

To ensure integrity, World Chess enlisted Pinkerton and utilized advanced anti-cheating technology from the FIDE Online Arena, reinforcing their commitment to fair play amidst previous disruptions.

Reflecting on his win, Kramnik highlighted the importance of high standards in all chess formats. His victory not only reinforces his concerns but also cements his relevance in the chess community, earning him a prize of 12,000 EUR, while Martínez received 8,000 EUR as runner-up. The event, broadcast live on World Chess’s YouTube channel, garnered significant attention with commentary from notable chess figures like Hikaru Nakamura.

Watch the event on the official World Chess Youtube channel

The Clash of Blames was held on August 19 — 21, 2024 in London at Guild Esports Center. Following the event, Vladimir Kramnik took the polygraph test. World Chess and Pinkerton developed a standard polygraph questionnaire that can be used by other players.

Visit the event’s gallery

PR support in London was provided by W Communications. Special thanks to Warren Johnson

  • Nadia Panteleeva, World Chess

  • Shohreh Bayat

  • Lance Leslie-Smith