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Local Sweden
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Local Sweden
How joining a chess club deepened my roots in Sweden
Here at The Local we're always recommending that people join Swedish clubs as a way of becoming more integrated. Paul O'Mahony decided it was finally time to practise what he preached – and met some inspiring fellow chess-lovers along the way. Advertisement For the past year and a half or so I've been accompanying my children to training sessions at Kristallen, a Stockholm-based chess club. Sitting on the sidelines with other parents I found that my ears would prick up whenever their coach, Olov Hamilton, would talk through a master game on the big screen. I've always enjoyed playing chess but had never taken my interest beyond playing online or occasional over-the-board games with friends and family. But Olov's enthusiasm was infectious and I found I couldn't take my eyes off Bobby Fischer's devastating combination play, or a mating pattern delivered with delicious precision by the Hungarian grandmaster Judit Polgar. And sitting there, listening to the story of the three Polgar sisters and their meteoric rise, a frightening thought struck me: my children would quickly become stronger players than me. They would grow bored of playing against an old-timer drifting further and further below their level. So in April I signed the forms and paid the fees and suddenly a whole new world opened itself up to me. Advertisement Riding the Queen's Gambit chess boom Before joining the club it hadn't really clicked with me just how popular chess had become. It turns out that the Netflix series The Queen's Gambit had coincided with the start of the Covid pandemic. Millions of people with time on their hands quickly developed a voracious appetite for the game. A whole ecosystem now exists, made up of countless chess YouTube accounts, online learning tools, and podcasts. Sweden very much got swept up in this rising tide. When recently published statistics for every country in the world, Sweden came fourth in terms of per capita users, with an incredible 1.9 million accounts registered here. And while the boom is most evident online, over-the-board play is also on the rise. The Swedish Chess Federation hit an all-time high last year, with more than 45,000 members playing in the country's many chess clubs. Just this week the enduring chess icon Pia Cramling became the first ever Swede to be inducted into the Chess Hall of Fame. The Stockholm native was just the fifth ever woman to achieve the title of grandmaster and was at one point the highest ranked woman in the world. Funnily enough, a lot of people these days get to know Pia Cramling through her daughter Anna. A strong player in her own right, Anna Cramling's YouTube channel boasts more than 1.5 million followers as she attracts new players to the game with entertaining and instructive videos from the world of chess. Advertisement Checkmates: Getting to know new people through chess As we've written about previously on The Local, clubs – or föreningar – are Sweden's social lifeblood. Getting involved gives you fresh insights into the centrality of shared interests as a social lubricant. As a club member I was now eligible to play in tournaments and so in May I headed out to a competition in Tyresö just outside Stockholm. As I sat and played out a four-hour marathon game, I could see my 12-year-old son deep in thought at a nearby table as he faced off against an 87-year-old woman who was the tournament's oldest competitor. This meeting of minds across the generational divide is one of the most appealing things about chess. To my surprise I managed to win one of my first games and the rush of adrenaline that accompanied that first victory will live with me for a long time. The thrill of an online checkmate pales into insignificance compared to what now felt like the real deal. There were losses too of course but there's nothing like a shared interest to kickstart conversations, and in the few brief months since joining the club I've already met a host of interesting people. Advertisement These include Ahmad Sa'dah, a Jordanian coach and the chief organiser of the Jönköping Chess Festival. Ahmad and his team from the Jordanian Swedish Chess Academy managed to attract some of the best players in Sweden and beyond for a tournament that just celebrated its second anniversary. Last week my family and I spent our days on the beach at Lake Vättern and our evenings competing with players young and old from Sweden, Jordan, Nigeria, UAE and Iraq, to name just a few of the participating nationalities. A wonderful experience Another name that springs to mind is David Ajena, a local chess enthusiast who recently launched Stockholm Chess, a hugely welcoming weekly meetup for players of all levels that takes place at Kulturhuset in Stockholm every Sunday afternoon. Autumn holds the promise of many new encounters. As is often the case in Sweden, once you're in you're really in. And so, starting later this month I'll be standing side-by-side with Olov as an assistant coach, welcoming kids and their parents for the new term. After a quarter of a century in Sweden, the roots I've put down here just got deeper. And I couldn't be happier.
CNN
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Magnus Carlsen says chess is ‘made for the digital age' amid esports integration
The world of chess has been going through somewhat of an evolution in recent years, and it's showing no signs of slowing down. The ancient game's popularity boom has been well documented, owing in part to the rise of online formats during the Covid-19 pandemic and the reputational boost provided by mainstream media, such as the Netflix series 'The Queen's Gambit.' Since then, chess' move to online platforms has accelerated and its now currently debuting at the Esports World Cup (EWC) this week. The tournament, hosted and part-funded by Saudi Arabia, was held for the first time in 2024 and brought together professional gamers, publishers and fans from across the world for an eight-week competitive gaming bonanza. Earlier this year, it was announced that chess would be included in the 2025 edition, with the best players in the world competing for a $1.5 million prize pool – playing a new format which is deemed more accessible to an esports audience. In a bid to compete in the new event, top esports teams set about signing some of the best chess players on the planet. Team Liquid, one of the biggest esports teams, didn't hold back and signed Norwegian world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, arguably the greatest chess player of all time. Carlsen, who has also been an ambassador for the EWC, spoke to CNN Sports ahead of this year's tournament about how the game can benefit in the digital era. 'I think this is a massive moment for chess,' he said. 'Chess has become more and more online over the last few years, especially since Covid when we couldn't host live tournaments. 'Online was what we had and those online tournaments became bigger and bigger, and it feels like this is the next step to have these hybrid events.' While many players, including Carlsen, want to keep the traditional over-the-board chess alive, the transition to online platforms has coincided with changes in the game's format. With online games getting quicker, the goal for the EWC's competition was to create a version which would stay true to tradition while incorporating elements associated with fast-paced esports games. The result was the creation of a 10+0 format, which will give both players 10 minutes to make their moves without any chance to add additional time, increasing the chances of blunders as players battle against the clock. The change, although radical when you compare to what the game was like less than 20 years ago, feels very natural to Carlsen. 'The funny thing about chess is that it is a bit of an ancient game and an analog game,' he said. 'But it's also kind of made for the digital age because it's so simple to translate. 'Most of the time when I'm practicing chess, it's always on a screen, whether it's a phone, a computer or a tablet. 'Then when I get to tournaments, the pieces feel a bit strange and I don't feel like I quite see the board the same way.' The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is still very much considered the home of classic chess, but its CEO Emil Sutovsky told CNN Sports earlier this year that the game's governing body is supportive of the emerging esports partnership. He said FIDE was involved in early conversations with organizers, before became the natural partner on which to stage the EWC. has been one of the main driving forces behind the transition to online formats, allowing anyone with an internet connection to practice and play chess wherever they are in the world. Carlsen, who became a grandmaster at 13, says the online world has opened the world of chess to a new audience. 'It's a fantastic thing that we have this new digital age, where information is so easily available,' he told CNN Sports. 'It means that the game is much more accessible to fans. You have engines that can show you how the games are going and it sort of demystifies the game. 'All these tools make it so much easier for both kids and adults to improve on their chess a lot and I think that's part of why you're seeing a lot of kids these days, they become very, very strong at a very early age. 'Kids routinely become grandmasters at earlier ages. The audience is getting younger as well, and more and more digital. So it's really an exciting time.' The chess competition got underway on Tuesday, with Carlsen making the final following an incredible semifinal against fellow grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura, which was only settled following armageddon. The world No. 1 will take on GM Alireza Firouzja on Friday in the championship match with the winner taking home $250,000.
Irish Independent
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Make your next move in Greystones as outdoor chess to open for all
Councillor Stephen Stokes said the sessions are free and offer a welcoming environment for players of all ages and abilities to enjoy the game of chess in the heart of the town. "Chess in the Burnaby Park has become a much loved annual tradition in Greystones,' he said. 'When myself and my mother, Bernadette, started the summer chess sessions in 2022, we did not expect that there would be so much demand for the game. Local chess has also been greatly boosted by the installation of additional chess tables by Wicklow County Council," he added. For newcomers to chess there will be beginner lessons from 10am to 10.30am. This will be the perfect opportunity to learn the basics of chess or for returning players to refresh their knowledge of the rules. All participants are welcome to come and go as they please for casual games until noon. Cllr Stokes also wanted to remind enthusiasts that Greystones railway station is less than a five-minute walk to the chess tables, in case visitors would like to travel from further away, including Bray or Wicklow town. "Chess is more than just a game, it brings people together, encourages strategic thinking, and makes great use of our public spaces. I am delighted to see it return this summer. I invite everyone to join in, whether you are a regular player or just curious to learn." Chess has undergone a boom in recent years. During Covid, chess moved online. Netflix also had a hit show, The Queen's Gambit which fuelled further interest. Cllr Stokes believes that chess is continuing to grow in popularity with it now being incorporated into the Esports World Cup. To assist chess players, boards and pieces will be provided on site throughout the summer sessions. However participants are encouraged to bring their own chair as seating is limited. The event is free and open to all, with no need to book in advance. The location is the southwest corner of the Burnaby Park, Greystones.
News18
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Celebrating Chess: The Ancient Indian Game Thriving In The Digital Era
The global success of the Netflix series The Queen's Gambit, coupled with the rapid growth of chess streamers on platforms like Twitch, and YouTube, has propelled chess into mainstream pop culture. Tournament series such as PogChamps, launched by in 2020, introduced chess to millions by featuring popular streamers and celebrities, each mentored by elite Grandmasters. Leading streaming personalities like Levy Rozman, known as GothamChess, and the Botez sisters, Alexandra and Andrea, have built massive followings on both Twitch and YouTube. Their accessible, educational, and entertaining style has made chess more engaging and relatable to younger audiences. Since then, online chess has seen explosive growth. In 2024 alone, recorded over 7.6 billion games played. The platform has surpassed 200 million registered users globally, with India contributing over 9 million monthly active players and adding an average of 550,000 new signups each month. Beyond gameplay, viewership numbers have soared, with chess amassing 925 million organic views this year, reflecting an incredible 640 percent year-on-year growth. With its easy-to-play format and accessibility anytime, anywhere, chess has cemented itself as a universal sport for the digital generation. This digital success naturally extended into the competitive esports world. The chess esports revolution accelerated in 2020 when world-renowned Grandmasters such as Qiyu Zhou, Hikaru Nakamura, and Andrew Tang joined established esports organizations like Counter Logic Gaming, Team SoloMid (TSM), and Cloud9 respectively, blending the traditions of chess with the excitement of competitive gaming. The momentum continued when the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and included chess in the inaugural Olympic Esports Week in 2023 in Singapore. This evolution reached a landmark moment with chess officially becoming part of the prestigious Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 in Riyadh, with Norwegian legend Magnus Carlsen serving as the tournament's ambassador. Organized in partnership with this year's EWC features a prize pool of $1.5 million, bringing together the world's top chess players to compete in the fast-paced 10+0 rapid format, while representing leading esports organizations from across the globe. Indian chess is making its presence felt on this grand stage. Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi, signed with global esports organization Gen.G, has already secured his place at EWC 2025 through the Champions Chess Tour. The final four spots will be decided through the Last Chance Qualifier from July 24 to 26, where top Indian players, including Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram, will compete. Both Nihal and Aravindh have joined S8UL, a global powerhouse in esports and gaming content, to compete at EWC 2025. S8UL is the only Indian organization selected among the 40 elite global teams in the Esports World Cup Foundation's (EWCF) Club Partner Program. The organisation has earned its place to compete among the world's best in Apex Legends and EAFC, and will also be fighting for qualification in Tekken 8 through the Last Chance Qualifier, further expanding its presence across multiple esports titles. 'It's incredible to watch chess evolve from a quiet, traditional sport into a bold, global movement," said Sarin. 'Being part of S8UL has introduced me to the world of esports and content creation, opening up new ways to connect with people. Today, chess isn't just about strategy, it's about storytelling, culture, and community," the GM continued. 'I'm proud to be part of this exciting shift, as the game steps into a whole new era." Advertisement The chess esports revolution in India is also being championed by NODWIN Gaming, a leader in South Asia's esports and gaming ecosystem. The company recently announced a strategic partnership with and ChessBase India aimed at building the future of chess esports in the country. This collaboration has already delivered remarkable success, most notably with the exclusive streaming of the recent World Chess Championship, where India's Gukesh Dommaraju defeated Ding Liren to become the World Chess Champion. The event garnered over 24 million views, with peak concurrent viewership reaching 200,000. Co-founder and MD of NODWIN Gaming, Akshat Rathee, opined that 'The rise of online chess shows how even the most traditional games can reinvent themselves in a digital-first world. Chess has always stood for intellect and discipline, but with streaming, new formats, and structured esports competitions, it's now more accessible and entertaining than ever, especially for younger audiences." Over the years, NODWIN Gaming has consistently driven the mainstream growth of chess through innovative initiatives. The Chess Super League in 2021 brought together a unique mix of top international Grandmasters, leading Indian Grandmasters, International Masters, and promising junior players, offering fans a fresh, competitive, and entertaining viewing experience. Chess has also featured prominently at DreamHack Hyderabad, India's largest gaming festival, further reinforcing its place within the broader gaming and esports ecosystem. advetisement
Sky News AU
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Australian chess prodigy Reyaansh Chakrabarty talks grandmaster ambitions
For 11-year-old chess prodigy Reyaansh Chakrabarty, the hit Netflix show The Queen's Gambit sparked a love for the game that now takes him around the world on a quest to become Australia's first world champion. 'During the pandemic, I watched it a little bit, it's one of the things that got me interested in chess,' he told NewsWire this week in an exclusive interview. 'I didn't really know what chess was but I found it quite amusing, the pieces. 'She (Beth Harmon) is like looking up on the ceiling and watching the pieces move.' Like the fictional hero of the smash-hit show, Reyaansh imagines chess games in his head. 'I see pieces kind of everywhere,' he said. Reyaansh, from western Sydney, is a FIDE master with a classical rating of 2346 and his sharp rise has the Australian chess world excited. 'He is showing a lot of promise at a young age,' Australian Chess Federation publicity director Paul Power told NewsWire. The next level is international master, which generally means a rating of 2400 and three 'norms' or performance benchmarks a player needs to hit to gain the title. And then there is the rarefied world of grandmaster, a huge achievement that takes years of dedicated practice, study and ambition. Australia has only produced 10 grandmasters from a global field of about 2000. 'It's hard to predict that he is necessarily going to become a grandmaster, but he is certainly going about it the right way,' Mr Power said. 'Should he get to the GM title, Australia would be very pleased. It would be a feather in the cap, not just for Reyaansh and his family but for Australia.' Reyaansh's ambitions go even further and he dreams about becoming world champion. 'It's a huge call but right now I'm focused on improving step-by-step,' he said. It's an ambition that might seem extraordinary for an 11-year-old, but chess is a young person's game. The world champion is 18-year-old Indian wonder Gukesh Dommaraju, who ascended the throne in 2024 after beating Chinese GM Ding Liren in Singapore. Before Gukesh, the title was held by Norwegian legend Magnus Carlsen, widely credited as one of the greatest players in history alongside Garry Kasparov and controversial American icon Bobby Fischer. Mr Carlson became world champion at the age of 22. Reyaansh, a year 6 student at Strathfield South in Sydney's inner west, trains about five hours a day during the week, one hour before school and then four hours in the afternoon, and then for eight hours on Saturdays and Sundays. 'My school is very supportive of my chess, so I don't have much homework to do,' he said. 'But of course you still have to go to school and complete whatever you have to do.' He practises tactics and openings, or the first few moves in chess that dictate the development of a game, and constantly analyses his games looking for errors. Reyaansh also studies with Polish grandmaster Jacek Stopa through the Sydney Chess Academy, with face-to-face classes. 'He teaches me how deeply you need to prepare to get to the GM level,' he said. 'At the end of the class I'm very tired. The puzzles he gives me are very tough, like grandmaster level.' For black, Reyaansh loves the Caro-Kann and Queen's Gambit Declined defences. For white, he loves the Italian and Ruy Lopez openings. Russian champion Boris Spassky and Mr Fischer are his favourite players. 'I think he (Spassky) was very strong but also a nice guy. Bobby Fischer because he was a genius, one of the best players to ever live.' Reyaansh was born in Kolkata in India and immigrated to Australia at the age of two with his parents Sounak and Tapasri, both of whom support his chess dreams. Reyaansh has already beaten GMs, including Australian heavyweight Darryl Johansen at a match in Melbourne. 'It was the first GM I defeated,' Reyaansh said. 'It was a good game, it was probably heading towards a draw but he blundered and I won it.' Mr Johansen was gracious in defeat. 'He was a bit disappointed, but we discussed some moves after the game,' Reyaansh said. But there was no time to celebrate. 'I had two games the next day, so I had to kind of forget about it and prepare for the next time.' The youngster, who likes to read JK Rowling and the Dog Man comic books, has also interacted with legends of the game, including former world champion Vishy Anand, whom he met in Singapore. 'It was like a dream come true. He gave me advice on staying patient,' Reyaansh said. He returned to Sydney last week after competing in a tournament in Norway and has travelled to the Czech Republic, Hungary, Belgium, Switzerland and Singapore to play against the best players in the world. When asked what he found really special about chess, he emphasised the intensity of the game and the mental focus it took to win. 'Even if you play perfectly the whole game, if you make one mistake, it's over,' he said. 'You need to focus from start to finish. You can't ever let you guard down.' Chess is in the midst of a popularity boom, triggered in part by The Queen's Gambit and the rising visibility of grandmasters on social media. Netflix claims more than 62 million people watched the show in its first 28 days on the streaming platform. Mr Power has also witnessed a growing number of youngsters trying out the game. 'The enthusiasm of primary level students is refreshing,' he said. For Reyaansh, finding a 'love for the game' is the first step children should take in their own chess pursuits. 'You have to find your love for the game,' he said. 'Otherwise, you'll kind of feel it is a chore. If you don't love it, you'll feel bored with it.'
