Chess, one of humanity’s oldest and most intellectual games, is experiencing an incredible resurgence. Invented in the 6th century—more than 1500 years ago—this ancient game has now become the center of a modern-day boom. But why is this age-old game gaining new momentum? And how did a small side project turn into a $500 million empire?
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the story of Chess.com and the surprising revival of the chess industry.
The Birth of Chess.com
Eric and Jay, two friends with a love for chess, launched Chess.com in 2005. Their vision was simple: to create a platform where people could play chess online. At the time, nothing like this existed, and the demand for such a platform was clear. Fast forward to today, Chess.com has become much more than just a place to play the game—it’s a comprehensive hub for chess enthusiasts around the world.
With over 100 million visitors per month, Chess.com now makes an impressive $500 million annually. The platform offers online lessons, coaching, chess news, and more, making it the go-to destination for anyone interested in the game.
The Chess Renaissance: A Growing Trend
While interest in chess had been declining for years, something changed after 2015. Google Trends shows a noticeable spike in chess-related searches, reflecting the game’s rising popularity.
Even online platforms like Fiverr are capitalizing on this trend. A quick search for “chess” reveals freelancers making over $20,000 per month by teaching chess online. YouTube is another hotbed of activity, with hundreds of channels dedicated to chess strategies, reactions, and more.
And it’s not just Chess.com leading the charge—there are over 400 startups focused on various aspects of chess, from selling custom boards to writing books about the game’s rich history. Chess is no longer just a pastime; it’s becoming a thriving industry.
The Opportunity in Bangladesh
Despite this global boom, Bangladesh’s chess industry remains relatively underdeveloped. While the country has a Chess Federation, there’s little innovation happening in the space. This presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and chess enthusiasts in Bangladesh to tap into a growing trend with little local competition.
So, what could you do with this information? Here are a few ideas:
- Launch a chess coaching startup.
- Create an online chess course and sell it on platforms like Udemy.
- Start a chess podcast or blog.
- Design and sell custom chess boards both locally and internationally.
- Organize chess tournaments in universities across Bangladesh.
The possibilities are endless. With chess on the rise globally, now is the perfect time to explore these opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Here at The Friday Company, we find the resurgence of chess fascinating. As the industry continues to grow, there are countless ways to get involved. Will you be part of this new chess revolution? The choice is yours.
Stay tuned for more insights and trends in our upcoming posts. Until next time!