GZA is coming to Melbourne for a speed chess tournament and you can play him
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23.02.2026

GZA is coming to Melbourne for a speed chess tournament and you can play him

GZA
words by Frankie Anderson-Byrne

Wu-Tang Clan's GZA is heading to Collingwood Town Hall on 26 March for Chessboxin' 2;Β a night built around speed chess, hip-hop culture and the very real chance to face The Genius across a chess board.

Chessboxin’ 2 is put together by Melbourne indie rye whiskey distillers The Gospel Whiskey, and the format is straightforward: competitors battle it out in a proper tournament for the chance to face GZA on stage.

DJs handle the soundtrack throughout the night, with a food truck to be announced closer to the date.

GZA’s connection to chess runs deep, it’s not a gimmick, it’s a genuine part of his world, and that’s exactly what makes Chessboxin’ 2 worth paying attention to.

One of hip-hop’s most respected lyricists, known for his sharp, intellectual approach to the craft, bringing that energy into a live chess tournament is a pretty special thing to be in the room for.

Chessboxin’ 2

  • When: Thursday, 26 March
  • Where: Collingwood Town Hall, Melbourne
  • Tickets: here

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.Β 

Tournament play runs in a 3|2 speed chess format, supervised by Acid Chess ClubΒ  and supported by PBS and BEAT, with competitors pushing through rounds for a shot at facing GZA on stage.

A limited number of Meet & Greet tickets are on offer for those wanting to get closer to the action, and General Admission tickets are available for anyone keen to watch the tournament play out.

Tickets drop across three releases before the night:

  • Tuesday, 24 February β€” first ticket release
  • Friday, 6 March β€” second ticket release
  • Wednesday, 18 March β€” third ticket release
  • Thursday, 26 March β€” event day

Not many artists could anchor a night like this. GZA is one of them.

For more information, head here.

Beat is a proud media partner of Chessboxin’ 2.Β