Chess.com Hits 200 Million Members

In the surpassing of a giant milestone, Chess.com has reached an astonishing 200 million members, solidifying its unrivaled stance in the online chess world.

See the tweet below!

With 1.5 million of these members as paying users, Chess.com clearly demonstrates strong value that resonates with its global audience.

In 2007, Chess.com launched with a vision—to create an engaging online chess community.

Over the years, it has evolved into a powerhouse, attracting players at all skill levels.

The platform now supports over 6 million games daily, catering to both amateur players and grandmasters with diverse competition opportunities.

This growth cements its place as a cornerstone of online chess.

The surge in interest isn’t limited to seasoned players. A significant number of new users are beginners, proving the platform’s appeal to all chess enthusiasts.

Current events also play a role; the cheating scandal involving Magnus Carlsen and the inclusion of chess in the Esports World Cup has renewed interest in the game worldwide.

According to Albert Cheng, Chess.com’s Chief Growth Officer, demand is likely to surge even more, Medium.com reports.

“[Chess has] got this durability to it,” Cheng told TechCrunch.

“It’s been played for over 1,500 years, which is just amazing. And even Chess.com is not a brand new company. It’s been around for almost 20 years. It feels really dynamic,” he added.

Chess.com’s digital tools like the AI game review feature introduced in 2021 significantly boost its attraction.

These innovations, coupled with a vibrant global community, keep users engaged and returning. High-profile matches, such as those involving F1 stars, further affirm its influence.

The manifold formats offered by Chess.com make it a critical hub for the chess community.

“I think the sky’s the limit here, and the more that we can continue to grow the game by leveraging that organic interest that already exists in these adjacent communities, we’d be foolish not to explore it. So I’m really excited by those opportunities,” Cheng said further.

Chess’s resurgence during the COVID-19 pandemic further fueled Chess.com’s growth, with people searching for digital entertainment.

The release of “The Queen’s Gambit” on Netflix added momentum, captivating audiences globally with its thrilling portrayal of a chess prodigy.

These cultural phenomena have lifted Chess.com’s appeal, making it a central figure in the future of online chess.