Checkmate: How Indians mastered Chess

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Chess.com posted on its official blog in December 2022. The platform saw its total users go from 25 million at the beginning of 2020 to 75 million in 2021 to over 100 million users in 2022 globally. While Chess has been integral to Indian culture since ancient times, the sport has today gained popularity worldwide, and is played in almost 200 countries.

Its popularity skyrocketed during the pandemic thanks in part to shows like ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ becoming a massive hit. A recent advertising campaign featuring famous footballers playing chess and the promotion of chess in regional TV series and movies has advanced the sport’s reach and popularity further. Social media platforms have also witnessed exponential growth in the consumption of chess content with the emergence of chess influencers.

In addition, tournaments are being organized across various schools, colleges and corporate offices. But the growth of the game hasn’t been uniform. For instance, while Chennai and a few big cities have many grandmasters and international masters coaching youngsters, other, smaller cities lack quality coaching.

One of the things that has made chess so fun in recent years is the convenience and accessibility offered by digital platforms. Previously, one had to visit a club and arrange a game. Now, everything is instantly accessible," said Anand.

“This accessibility factor is a driving force behind increased engagement with the game. I believe that chess, coupled with the growing digitization of the world, particularly in India, will contribute significantly to its popularity, especially among the youth." The demand for structured learning has led to the emergence of chess academies, both online and offline, nationwide. These