New York, NY – May 18, 2021 – Breaking records like never before, chess continues to surge on streaming sites, like Twitch, as lovers of the classic game have found new ways to enjoy it together this past year. Known for inviting everyone to savor life with those who matter most, Stella Artois is partnering with Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura to bring the chess community together to make history in another way. On June 1, in a live, interactive event hosted on Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura's Twitch channel, the partners will attempt to break the Chess.com record for most unique games of bullet chess won in an hour. 

“Stella Artois making a move into chess is an unexpected, yet perfect, match,” said Lara Krug, VP of Marketing, Stella Artois. “Like our beer, chess is meant to be savored together. It's such a beautiful game where you truly take the time to soak up every moment of the match and enjoy each other's company, which is made even better with a Stella Artois in hand. We couldn't be more excited to bring fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy a game with Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura and watch him attempt to achieve this historical record.”

The chess clock begins at 5:00pm ET on June 1st. For the hour, the Grandmaster will face off against fans one-by-one in bullet chess, where each player has a minute to play each full game. Think you are up for the challenge? Now through May 27th, chess aficionados can sign up on StellaArtois.com/Chess for the chance to play him during the brand's Bullet Chess Speedrun*.

“There have been many records and championships that I've won and broken throughout my career, but none of those have been like what we're trying to achieve during this livestream,” said Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura. “After this past year where we couldn't play that face-to-face game, it's going to feel incredible to get the chess community together, share a refreshing Stella Artois, and (hopefully) make history.”

Watching the One Hour Speedrun as a spectator? Every time Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura wins a match, fans following along can enter to win a variety of prizes by simply commenting in the chat using “!StellaChessGiveaway”. The more he wins, the bigger the prizes will get, ranging from Stella Chess Boards and Chalices** to a custom board signed by GM Hikaru Nakamura for one extra lucky fan***.

In celebration of this iconic moment, Stella Artois is also releasing a mini collection of chess merchandise consisting of limited-edition Stella Chess Chalices and Boards. The brand's famous chalice has been redesigned with gold bespoke chess illustrations and Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura's signature engraved on the glass. Additionally, the brand created a specialty wooden chess set crafted with Stella Artois design cues and a folding magnetic travel case for chess pieces. 

The collection drops on June 2nd and will be available for purchase at ShopBeerGear.com while supplies last. 

For more information and program updates, follow @StellaArtoisUSA on Instagram and Facebook and @StellaArtois on Twitter.

Stella x Hikaru Bullet Chess

No Purchase Necessary.  Open to US residents 21+.  Begins 9:00 am EDT on 5/18/21 and ends on 5/27/21.  See Official Rules at StellaArtois.com/Chess for prizes & details.  Msg & data rates may apply.  Void where prohibited.

**Stella x Hikaru Twitch Giveaway

No Purchase Necessary.  Open to US residents 21+.  See Official Rules at https://www.stellaartois.com/en_us/initiatives/contest-rules.html for entry deadlines, prizes & details.  Msg & data rates may apply.  Void where prohibited.

***Hikaru Twitter Giveaway

No Purchase Necessary.  Open to US residents 21+.  See Official Rules at https://www.stellaartois.com/en_us/initiatives/contest-rules.html for entry deadlines, prizes & details.  Msg & data rates may apply.  Void where prohibited.

About Stella Artois

Stella Artois® is part of a brewing tradition dating back to 1366. It is the winner of the 2019 World Beer Award for World's Best International Lager and is present in 95 countries. Stella Artois is a bottom filtered, blonde pilsner. It is thirst quenching with a malty middle and crisp finish delivering a full flavor and a hint of bitterness. Stella Artois is best enjoyed served between 37.4- and 41-degree Fahrenheit and should be served in the unique Stella Artois Chalice according to the 9-Step Pouring Ritual to guarantee a perfect experience of this gold standard lager. Visit www.stellaartois.com for more information.

About Anheuser-Busch

For more than 165 years, Anheuser-Busch has carried on a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. Today, we own and operate more than 120 facilities, including breweries, wholesaler distribution centers, agricultural facilities and packaging plants, and have more than 19,000 colleagues across the United States. We are home to several of America's most recognizable beer brands, including Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob ULTRA and Stella Artois, as well as a number of regional brands that provide beer drinkers with a choice of the best-tasting craft beers in the industry. From responsible drinking programs and emergency drinking water donations to industry-leading sustainability efforts, we are guided by our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we call home. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.