64SQRS OTBS – August 2025 Preview
The July fireworks have barely settled, yet the 64SQRS Online Team Battle Series (OTBS) is back for its second month. August brings bigger prizes, deeper squads, and a chance for every team to rewrite their story. Here’s everything you need to know.
July in the rear‐view mirror
If you missed last month, Hummingbird’s Avante‐Garde dominated, racking up 825 points and winning Bullet and Freestyle. UF Team Brutal, Peelers, The Army of Fire, The Checkmate Syndicate, Thruy Assassins, Square Hustler’s, UF Team Krazy, Hummingbird’s Kubera and The Killjoys all made the inaugural leaderboard and are hungry for redemption. July delivered drama (unauthorized players costing teams victories), friendly wagers (Seth vs Clinton), and heart‐warming moments, a tribute to the late Emmanuel Iheanacho.
Format & dates
August follows the same three‐arena structure as July:
| Date | Arena | Time Control | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 16 | Bullet | 1+0 | Two hours of berserk‐friendly speed chess |
| Aug 23 | Freestyle / Chess960 | 2+0 | Random starting positions, pure creativity |
| Aug 30 | Blitz | 3+0 | The final sprint and first tiebreak |
Teams will field five players and two substitutes per arena. Points accumulate toward the monthly leaderboard; only teams that play all three events are eligible for bonus prizes.
August prize breakdown
The prize pot has expanded. Here is the August distribution:
| Prize | Amount | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Champion Team | ₦30 000 | Highest cumulative points across all three arenas |
| Runner‐up Team | ₦15 000 | Second place on the leaderboard |
| Player of the Month | ₦12 000 | Highest individual point total (across all events) |
As participation grows, the prize pool scales — July’s blog outlined tiered payouts for 8–10 teams and beyondlichess.org. Expect similar scaling if new squads join in August.
Registration & terms
To join the OTBS, teams must:
- Create a Lichess team page. Each squad must have an official team on lichess.org. This is your roster hub.
- Appoint a captain. Captains handle registrations, collect entry fees (₦5 000 for Bullet/Freestyle, ₦10 000 for Blitz) and submit lineups.
- Submit your roster. Provide five active players and up to two substitutes by the Wednesday preceding each event. Players must be properly registered; using unlisted or non‐eligible players (as in July’s bullet scandal) will lead to point deductions.
- Observe rating bands. Players are seeded into Elite, Advanced and Intermediate categories based on their HERA/HER ratings; lineups must follow the prescribed structure.
- Pay entry fees. Payments are handled through approved channels (contact the 64SQRS WhatsApp group for details). After VAT, all fees go into the prize pool.
- Accept the code of conduct. Respectful chat, no sandbagging, no multi‐accounting, and no external assistance. Violations will be punished.
Interested teams should message the official 64SQRS Whatsapp account or DM @64SQRS on Twitter for registration links and payment instructions.
Hype storylines & transfer market tease
All the July teams are back. Hummingbird’s Avante‐Garde will try to defend their crown, while UF Team Brutal and Peelers believe they’ve found the formula to topple the Birds. The Army of Fire seeks consistency, Thruy Assassins aim to put the bullet fiasco behind them, and Square Hustler’s and UF Team Krazy want to prove they’re more than meme merchant.
Behind the scenes, OTBS organisers are exploring a player transfer market for later in the season. Think of a mid‐season window where teams can trade or loan players within rating bands. Captains are already scouting — if you’re a free agent with a strong blitz record, now’s the time to get on social.
Speaking of social: teams are encouraged to build and promote their brand. Share your logos, celebrate your victories and stream your games. Tag @64SQRS and we’ll feature you. The more buzz you generate, the more sponsors and fans will take notice. If you already have a team handle or content channel, let us know!
What to expect in August
- Bullet (Aug 16) – Can Hummingbird’s speed demons repeat their July heroics? Or will UF Team Brutal’s NigerianFlash and Square Hustler’s clintonsalako upset the pecking order?
- Freestyle (Aug 23) – Chess960 always throws curveballs. Peelers’ ac_adapter and The Army of Fire’s Godhida thrive in chaos — watch for highlight‐reel games.
- Blitz (Aug 30) – The finale decides tiebreaks and pride. Last month’s blitz king Warlock_Dabee will try to hold off gunners like kereshady and jblick.
Add in Seth’s ₦100 000 bet, the possibility of a new team joining, and the rumoured transfer window, and August already feels like must‐watch chess.
Join the conversation
All matchdays will be covered on @64SQRS Twitter Spaces with commentary, guest players and fan call‐ins. Live chat on Lichess is open for memes and analysis. For registration, rules clarifications or to get your team featured, DM us or contact your OTBS manager. See you on Aug 16 for the Bullet kickoff — let’s make African online chess history together!
