Kramnik Snatches Victory in Clash of Blames, Affirms Concerns Over Online Play

Vladimir Kramnik, the retired former World Chess Champion, with a 19-17 score, has secured victory in the ‘Clash of Blames,’ a unique chess event designed to address the ongoing debate over the credibility of online chess competitions. Kramnik’s win over José Martínez, a rising star in the online chess world, underscores his long-held belief that true chess mastery must translate across both online and traditional formats.

Kramnik prepares for the final round

The ‘Clash of Blames’ featured a rigorous schedule of 36 games played over three days, with each day comprising six online and six over-the-board games. The event was organized by World Chess to challenge the notion that dominance in online chess equates to overall superiority, a point Kramnik has passionately advocated for.

Kramnik’s victory was marked by a dramatic comeback on the final day, where his classical chess expertise proved decisive against Martínez’s modern, aggressive style. Despite Martínez’s strong start, Kramnik’s deep understanding of the game and strategic prowess allowed him to overtake his opponent, securing the title.

To ensure the integrity of the competition, World Chess employed Pinkerton, the world’s oldest detective agency, to oversee the event. Their presence, along with the advanced anti-cheating technology provided by the FIDE Online Arena (chessarena.com), was crucial in maintaining fair play, particularly after previous attempts to hold the event were disrupted by technical issues on other platforms. World Chess, one of the leading chess organizations, believes that this format might be ideal for settling various cheating allegations and suspicions.

Reflecting on his victory, Kramnik said: “This event highlights the importance of maintaining high standards in both online and traditional chess. It’s not just about playing well on a screen; it’s about mastering the game in all its forms.”

Kramnik’s victory not only validates his concerns but also demonstrates his enduring relevance in the chess world. He takes home a prize of 12,000 EUR, while Martínez, who displayed exceptional talent throughout, finishes as runner-up with 8,000 EUR.

The event was broadcast live on World Chess’s YouTube channel and featured commentary from top chess personalities, including Hikaru Nakamura and Levitov Chess, drawing significant attention from the global chess community.