Derrick Rose is Launching a Chess Tournament in Las Vegas

Do you like Derrick Rose? Do you like chess? Then, this oddly specific post is for you!

According to the New York Daily News, the former MVP has announced a Chesstival in Las Vegas over the first weekend of Summer League. And, yes, that actually the name.

I Know.@ChesstivalDRose – Vegas 7.8.23

See you there. pic.twitter.com/iiISzSUCDD

— DZY (@drose) April 18, 2023

Apparently, the pool of players will consist of celebrities, pro athletes, and amateur chess players in what is called a “high-stakes” tournament. The competition will take place at Resort World Las Vegas on July 7th and 8th.

In September of 2022, Rose stated his love for chess in an Instagram post and used it as a way to explain why he disapproves of people referring to his recent highlights as “vintage.” You can check that out here:

Derrick Rose, in an IG post last year, explained the evolution of his game:

“I don't dunk or jump high anymore… I love chess so I would put it this way: I lost my Queen early in the game but I fought my fuckin way back to get one of my pawns down the board to get her back.” https://t.co/hpw5F8QJcJ pic.twitter.com/3rFBeDxvMn

— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) September 28, 2022

With such a big name leading the way, I’ll be very curious to see who is in attendance. I am planning on hitting up Summer League this year … so do you think he’ll let me play!?