Kings, Rings, and Algorithms: The History of Chess, Boxing, and AI in New Orleans

Presentation Description

This talk explores the histories of chess and boxing in New Orleans—two activities that have grown and evolved here. From burned-down chess clubs to outlawed bare-knuckle boxing matches, we’ll trace how both have shaped and been shaped by the Crescent City. We’ll also look at the history of chess and AI, how AI is changing boxing, and how it all comes together—leading up to a live chess-boxing match outside.

Presenter Bio

Baylee Badawy
Baylee Badawy is a consultant based in the French Quarter, working at the intersection of art, music, and technology. She is currently an M.A. candidate in Musicology at Tulane University. She is also a co-founder, along with chess master Jude Acers, of The Red Beret Chess Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting chess learning and culture for people of all ages and abilities in a unique space called “the chess cave” at 521 St. Philip Street.
Headshot of Baylee Badawy