Garry Kasparov is returning to competitive chess after a 12-year retirement, competing in the Saint Louis Rapid and Blitz Competition from August 14-19.
What prompted his return?
Kasparov, 54, has been keeping busy with artificial intelligence and politics, but the desire to play never left him.
He has been learning about AI and even published a book, Deep Thinking, on the subject.
Why it matters for Garry Kasparov
The competition is part of the Grand Chess Tour circuit, featuring the best players in the world, and Kasparov is ready to play.
"I told him, 'Garry, you understand it’s rated so there’s some pride and ego on the line, right?' He said, 'Absolutely,'" said Tony Rich, Executive Director of the St. Louis Chess Club.
What comes next?
Ten players will compete for the $150,000 purse, immediately following the Sinquefield Cup, a $300,000 event.
Kasparov has been a tireless advocate for chess, helping to promote the game and get the Grand Chess Tour off the ground.
He is famous for his 1997 loss to IBM's Deep Blue supercomputer, but is now optimistic about the future of humans and machines.
Kasparov has also been involved in politics, criticizing the Trump Administration's ties to the Russian government and warning about Putin's global ambitions.
The Saint Louis Rapid and Blitz Competition will be a chance for Kasparov to reclaim his title as the world's best chess player.
As of 2017, Kasparov has been out of professional competition for 12 years, but is now ready to take on the best players in the world.
The competition will feature several players participating in both the Rapid and Blitz Competition and the Sinquefield Cup.
Kasparov's return to competitive chess is a significant event, and fans will be watching closely to see how he performs.
The Grand Chess Tour circuit is one of the most prestigious in the world, and Kasparov's participation will only add to its excitement.