Chess.com returned to the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in Boston last weekend and hosted a packed program that explored chess, AI, and the connection between mental and physical performance.
The annual gathering of leading sports executives, analysts, and innovators once again introduced chess to a captivated audience at the Hynes Convention Center on March 6-7. Chess.com hosted the chess program of the event for the eighth time.
The event kicked off with a panel discussion moderated by IM Danny Rensch that featured GM Eric Hansen, Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey, Google DeepMind’s Meg Risdal, and Federico Barbero.
The discussion examined how chess can provide insight into a world increasingly shaped by superhuman AI.Â
Later in the weekend, FM James Canty took on conference attendees in a simul, scoring an impressive 7/8. The only player to beat Canty was Rodney Malpert, a retired lawyer, who managed to achieve a remarkable win against the commentator, coach, and streamer.
Canty also stepped in as a moderator for a hand-and-brain session with Morey teaming up with GM Aman Hambleton. They faced WGM Jennifer Shahade and Bill Chen, a quantitative analyst, poker player, and software designer.
The game was closely fought. Morey and Hambleton emerged victorious, maintaining their perfect record in the format at MIT Sloan.
Another popular event that weekend was Guess The Elo, which returned with a last-minute lineup change. Zack Weiner, co-founder of Overtime Sports, stepped in as moderator, while Morey, Hansen, Hambleton, and Shahade attempted to estimate ratings by watching chess players as they competed. Shahade came out on top, earning bragging rights for the best guesses.
As in 2024, chessboxing also played a major role at the conference. The program began with a breathing session that focused on techniques that competitors use to regulate their heart rates and recover between rounds.Â
The session was led by United Chessboxing Founder Matt Thomas, who also hosted an open workshop on the importance of controlling the physiological state in both boxing and chess.
Thomas was joined by Bryson Rhodes, founder and CEO of Neuroplastic Labs and head of neuroscience for Team USA Chessboxing, who demonstrated a device to monitor biophysical data while participants performed physical exercises.
The weekend concluded with a light chessboxing demonstration, where participants simulated real matches in the sport. Several matchups were entertaining. Canty, the reigning heavyweight chessboxing world champion, faced FM William Graif.
They eventually drew their chess game by repetition before Canty secured victory in the final round. Another match featured Shahade and Rensch, who drew their chess game by repetition before the audience voted for an overtime fitness challenge, which Shahade won.
Another highlight of the event was a blindfold exhibition featuring Rensch against two-time NBA Champion Shane Battier. During the blindfold game, Chess.com’s Chief Chess Officer answered questions from the crowd. Battier was allowed three “lifelines” to consult with Hambleton and Shahade before making his moves. Unfortunately for the NBA star, that wasn’t enough, as Rensch proved victorious in the end.
The chess program also welcomed another notable celebrity, as Houston Rockets center Steven Adams stopped by to watch the event and follow the demonstrations.