Story perspectives

USA Shocks World Chess Boxing with Nine Medals

11/17/2025

24 3

Summary

Story summary

Matt Thomas, the first American to compete for a world chess boxing title, led 15 Americans at World Chessboxing Championships in Loznica, Serbia.
Team USA, considered underdogs to the dominant Russian squad, earned two gold medals and finished second with nine medals.
William "Gambit Man" Graif and Wayne "GodKing" Clark represented the United States, with Graif winning his first match before losing.
James Canty III became the super heavyweight champion.

1 of 1

Story summary

Matt Thomas, the first American to compete for a world chess boxing title, led 15 Americans at World Chessboxing Championships in Loznica, Serbia.
Team USA, considered underdogs to the dominant Russian squad, earned two gold medals and finished second with nine medals.
William "Gambit Man" Graif and Wayne "GodKing" Clark represented the United States, with Graif winning his first match before losing.
James Canty III became the super heavyweight champion.