Matt “Crazy Arms” Read marked the end of a two-decade career in chessboxing with a final victory at the Oktoberfest event held at Scala in King’s Cross, London. The hybrid sport, which combines chess and boxing in alternating rounds, saw Read, co-founder of Chessboxing in 2008, face off against Anthony “Toto the Robot” Bourached in a bout that showcased both mental strategy and physical endurance.

Chessboxing requires competitors to switch between rounds of speed chess and boxing, with victory achieved either by knockout or checkmate. For Read, 47, who also manages a chess shop on Great Portland Street, the event was a purposeful farewell after previously announcing multiple retirements. Despite being the second oldest competitor on the undercard, he demonstrated considerable skill and crowd appeal, winning his final match against Bourached, a highly ranked chess player who had experienced a rapid 13-second knockout loss during his boxing debut in 2019.

Read reflected on the sport’s subtle complexity, comparing it to opera where much of the appreciation comes from understanding the nuances. “It’s a bit like opera. A lot of its beauty is hidden behind actually knowing something about it,” said Read. He acknowledged the challenges that aging presents but expressed satisfaction with concluding his career on a high note. “Father time has caught up with me,” he said, adding that although he isn’t confident in his boxing or chess individually, the combination and the audience response has been rewarding.

The event’s atmosphere departed from traditional boxing norms, with the absence of ring girls replaced by a formally dressed “ring piece” who introduced the matches. Commentators donned lederhosen, enhancing the Oktoberfest theme. Among the other bouts, Gearoid “Sex Appeal” Veale, 38, faced Ben “Babyface” Wilson, a 25-year-old design technician making his debut, in a lighthearted match. Veale described chessboxing as an “absurd” but enjoyable sport, emphasizing fun over seriousness and admitting that he is not particularly skilled at either chess or boxing.

Anthony Bourached highlighted the unique blend of athleticism and performance in chessboxing, calling it an “interesting theatrical sport” where participants often embrace dramatic personas. The combination of intellectual challenge and physical combat appeals to a diverse audience, blending genres and fan bases in a distinctive competitive format.

With Read’s retirement, the chessboxing community bids farewell to one of its most prolific figures, marking a milestone for the sport that continues to grow in niche popularity.