Chess.com’s traditional weekly event for streamers Arena Kings gives its comeback. The ninth season starts on February 2 at 9 a.m. PST/18:00 CET. Season 9 caught everyone’s attention and promised to be an exciting one. A $40,000 prize fund and a new eight-player knockout format have been announced.
In the previous season, GM Hikaru Nakamura once more proved. To win his throne during the finals, Nakamura had to fend off IM Renato Terry, GM Jose Martinez, and GM Raunak Sadhwani. This event will have ten regular and two Chess960 arenas spanning 12 weeks.
The event is open for all Chess.com members. This is an opportunity to play against popular Chess streamers like the Chessbrahs, GM Daniel Naroditsky, WFM Anna Cramling, and more are regular Arena Kings participants.
Like in previous seasons, there will be Chess960 arenas during specific weeks of this season.Knockout events follow arena King’s weekly arenas. A Championship Qualifier and Championship Final happen in the last week of season 9.
Prize Fund:
The prize fund for Arena Kings Season 9 is $40,000.
Weekly Arena Prize Fund: $600
| U1400 | $100 |
| U1600 | $100 |
| U1800 | $100 |
| U2000 | $100 |
| U2200 | $100 |
| Streamer prize | $100 |
Weekly Knockout Prize Fund: $1,650
| 1st | $500 |
| 2nd | $350 |
| 3rd-4th | $200 |
| 5th-8th | $100 |
Arena Kings Championship Qualifier: $600
| U1400 | $100 |
| U1600 | $100 |
| U1800 | $100 |
| U2000 | $100 |
| U2200 | $100 |
| Streamer prize | $100 |
Champion Fund: $12,400
| 1st | $3,500 |
| 2nd | $2,000 |
| 3rd-4th | $1,250 |
| 5th-8th | $600 |
| 9th-16th | $250 |
If you’re eligible for more than one prize in the event (e.g., 10th place and U1800), you will receive only the higher prize. The following eligible participant receives an under-prize.
The Schedule
| Regular arenas | Wednesdays at 9 a.m. PST/18:00 CET | February 2-April 20 |
| Chess960 arenas | Wednesdays at 9 a.m. PST/18:00 CET | March 2 and March 30 |
| Knockout events | Ten minutes after each weekly arena | |
| Arena Kings Championship Qualifier | At 9 a.m. PST/18:00 CET | April 27 |
| Championship Final | Ten minutes after the qualifier | |
Streaming and Identification Requirements
Arena Kings Season 9 is open to all Chess.com members. Participants must meet all the requirements to participate and be eligible for prizes.
Arena Kings Championship Qualifiers
The Arena Kings Championship Qualifier is a point-based system. You will have to collect points during the entire season and have at least 10 points to play in the qualifier round.
Points:
- 1st: 10 points
- 2nd: 7
- 3rd-4th: 5
- 5th-8th: 3
- 9-16th: 2
- 17th-32nd: 1
- Streaming: 1
- Win any Under prize: 2
Results
The results will be published in a separate article on the Arena Kings Season 9.
How To Participate in the Event:
- Go to the Play page and click on the “Tournaments” button in the sidebar.
- You will find the Arena Kings event and Click the “Join” button.
Note: You will have to join at least one hour before the event.
Stay tuned 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.
