It was the event that sparked a summer of incredible online chess - just as the world went into lockdown.
In a sensational showdown, Alireza Firouzja announced himself with an 8.5:7.5 win over World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen.
One year on and the Banter Blitz Cup 2021 is back. The event will return on June 4 bigger, and better, than ever before - and with a Spanish flavour!
This year's second edition - not including the Banter Blitz Series last autumn - will see 64 players compete in eight mini-tournaments before the grand final.
The mini-tournaments will be knockouts running over three days with only the winners progressing to the final, a round-robin that runs from July 7 to July 10.
As usual, because this is Banter Blitz, every player must live stream and commentate their games in their respective language.
The prize fund is $17,000 but this year there's more - because Banter Blitz isn't just fun and games, it can be serious!
The winner gets to choose whether he or she competes in a Meltwater Champions Chess Tour event of his or her choice, or plays in the upcoming San Fermin Mundial knockout tournament.
Both offer the chance to take on World Champion Magnus Carlsen.
The San Fermin event is part of the replacement for this year's Pamplona bull run festivities. It takes place on July 13 to 14 and the star guest is Carlsen, who has confirmed he will play in the final.
The Meltwater Champions Chess Tour needs no explaining. Sixteen of the world's best will undoubtedly play in whatever event is chosen, meaning whoever takes this available spot can test him or herself against the very elite in chess.
If the Banter Blitz Cup winner chooses to play in the Tour, the runner-up will be offered the San-Fermin spot and vice-versa.
So there really is a lot to play for!
Entries are open with a 300 euro fee here. GMs will be invited under special conditions. Contact stream@chess24.com if you are interested.
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