By Rook Or By Left Hook

In 2003, Dutch artist Iepe Rubingh became the first World Champion of Chessboxing. This mind-bending fusion of alternating chess and boxing rounds began as an art performance designed to promote greater balance in a world defined by extremes, and the audience’s electrifying response inspired Rubingh to develop it into a legitimate sport. Rubingh’s disciplined talent for finding equilibrium in the ring is challenged beyond it when impulsive British TV producer Tim Woolgar embraces the sport, and his contrasting idea of success drives a wedge between them, putting the future of chessboxing at risk.