One very unique form of Chess that is gaining popularity is actually called Chess Boxing. This innovative hybrid sport actually takes the game of Chess and blends it with the sport of Boxing, having the players compete against each other in alternating rounds. Born in early 2003, the game was based on fictional accounts of the sport written by Enki Bilal, a French comic book writer. Iepe Rubingh, inspired by these accounts, organized a competition enacting it out.

Players for the game must both be talented boxers and Chess players, for the game moves quickly from one round to the other. This game usually begins with a 4 minute round of Chess followed by a 2 minute round of Boxing, then switching back and forth until a victory is declared. Only one minute is granted between the rounds, forcing all of the players to remain in top condition, both physically and mentally alert. While this version of Chess is rare, it can be exciting to watch and even to play for players who feel up to the challenge!