Matt Thomas began playing chess in his youth and found his passion for boxing at University. When YouTube served him a video about chessboxing, he felt called to found the first USA team for the 2018 Amateur World Championship and won the 90 kg division.

As a founder of the non-profit, Brawl for a Cause, he trains, equips and inspires everyday people to fight for what they believe in most. Matt Thomas is committed to promoting the sport of chessboxing in the USA and using sport as a vehicle for positivity and philanthropy.

We chat about his childhood, how he stumbled upon chessboxing, how he became the first athlete to compete for the USA in chessboxing, and tons of other fun anecdotes.