How Many People Play Chess? A Guide to the Numbers

Chess has transcended centuries, cultures, and borders. Its beauty lies in the complexity of its gameplay, its strategic depth, and the endless possibilities for its mastery. Yet despite this, it transcends borders and languages and is, by any definition, an international game. Yet how many people play chess, anyway?

Let’s explore how many people play chess, the demographics, and the factors contributing to its enduring appeal.

Historical Significance

Chess is not just a game - it is a global phenomenon. From the bustling streets of New York to the serene parks of Tokyo, you can find numerous enthusiasts engaged in intense battles over the 64 squares of the chessboard. In parks and in parlors, in halls, and in homes, chess is enjoyed by individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.

Dating back over a millennium, chess is a game with a rich and storied history. The game originated in India around the 6th century AD. Over time, it has evolved and spread across continents through trade and conquest alike. Chess gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages, and quickly became an intellectual pursuit of choice among nobility and scholars.

The popularity of chess has surged in recent years, partly fueled by the rise of online platforms and the global reach of competitive events. The arrival of digital technology has made it easier than ever for people to learn, play, and connect with other fellow enthusiasts. Websites like Chess.com and Lichess.org currently have millions of registered users, and offer many resources, tutorials, and opportunities for competitive play.

The Influence of Streaming and E-Sports

Furthermore, streaming platforms like Twitch have brought chess into the spotlight in unprecedented ways. Numerous grandmasters around the world stream their gameplay, providing commentary, analysis, and entertainment to a rapidly growing audience. The popularity of chess has soared, with events such as the Speed Chess Championship and PogChamps contributing to this. It achieved widespread attention and attracted players from all types of backgrounds.

Demographics and Participation

The chess community is amazingly diverse, consisting of players of all ages, genders, and nationalities. Although historically perceived as a game dominated by men, efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity have led to a more balanced representation across gender lines.

Certain initiatives, such as the Queen’s Gambit-inspired surge in female participation and grassroots programs aimed at introducing chess to underserved communities. These have significantly contributed to a more inclusive and vibrant chess community.

According to the marketing research company NPD Group, in the first three weeks of the Queen's Gambit debut, the sales of chess sets went up by 87% in the US. On top of that, the sales of books about chess leaped 603%.

Although still dominated by men, chess is a game that today has millions of active female players worldwide.

Some Chess Statistics

So, How Many People Play Chess?

Approximately 605 million adults worldwide play chess regularly. This statistic is a testament to the immense popularity of chess, with over a half billion people playing it.

Another interesting statistic says that there are an estimated 8.2 million active FIDE-rated chess players in the world. It shows that millions of people are actively engaged in the game competitively, which makes it one of the most popular board games today.

You can also find some chess statistics via the following link. These were performed by the authoritative organization YouGov and are interesting for those who want to dive into some numbers.

Chess.com Active Players

There is no doubt that Chess.com is the most popular chess website. Now, while no one can ever certainly identify the exact number of chess players in the world, according to Chess.com, there is a total of around 600,000,000 players.

This is the number of chess players who have played at least once in the past year. Some statistics also say that the number of chess players is as high as a billion. However, these estimates seem based on word of mouth. No one can certainly identify the number of real players (chess even goes beyond the borders of data collection), but it is clear that chess is one of the most popular games in the world today and in the past.

Another interesting fact is that at the time of writing, Chess.com had surpassed 20,000,000 members. A live count of the number of players is always available on the Chess.com homepage. Also, according to the website, around 90-100K people are playing chess at any given moment.

Of over 20,000,000 registered members of Chess.com, over a million are active daily. We should also keep in mind that there are other popular platforms, websites, and apps for playing chess, such as SparkChess and Lichess.org.

Chess Tournament Players

According to the FIDE database, there are over 360,000 active tournament chess players. These are registered with FIDE when they compete in internationally rated events. These events are usually open to players of all skill levels, but only the most serious chess players progress to being considered “tournament players”. However, note that the term "tournament player" doesn't refer to any official title - it is primarily a matter of reputation.

Around 185 nations and states hold membership in FIDE, and many of those nations have their lists of nationally registered tournament players. For example, the U.S. Chess Federation stated that it had over 85,000 registered tournament players back in 2016. Only a fraction of these players are registered internationally with FIDE.

It is also interesting to note that, according to FIDE, there might be over a half-million chess players at some point during 2024.

Chess Grandmasters

“Grandmaster” (GM) is the highest title in chess, awarded by FIDE. To achieve the title of Grandmaster, a player must consistently achieve a very high level of play. It includes earning three “Grandmaster norms" and achieving an Elo rating of 2500. Only a very small percentage of tournament players reach this level.

At the time of writing, there are 1,594 grandmasters in the world, of which 35 are female. This ratio is consistent with the number of men and women playing chess.

It is interesting to note that the first known female grandmaster in chess history is Nona Gaprindashvili, who achieved the title in 1978. That achievement was a major milestone in the history of chess. It also serves as a reminder that women can and do excel in the sport.

On the other hand, Sergey Karjakin is the youngest grandmaster in chess history, having achieved the title when he was 12 years and 7 months old. This fact inspires young chess players, showing them that they can also reach the highest level of the game with enough effort. It also reminds experienced players that age is no barrier to success, and no opponent should be underestimated.

What is ELO Rating?

Named after its creator Arpad Elo, the ELO rating system is a method used to calculate the relative skill levels of players in two-player games. It provides a numerical rating that shows a player’s performance and allows for comparison with other players.

However, the calculation of the ELO rating is not quite simple. After each game, the change in the player’s Elo rating depends on several factors. These include the player’s rating compared to their opponent’s rating, the result of the game, and the difference in ratings between players.

“K-Factor” is another parameter that determines the magnitude of rating changes after each game. Higher K-Factor values lead to more significant rating adjustments, which makes it easier for players to change their ratings quickly. Obviously, lower K-Factor values result in more gradual changes.

There aren't many new statistics related to the number of players in certain ranges based on the ELO score. However, based on the US Chess statistics from 2004, there was a total of ~26,000 players with an ELO rating of below 1200, which are considered Beginners. Players with ratings of 1200-1600 are considered Intermediate, and there were around 13,260 players in that range.

According to the same statistic, there were around 11,000 Advanced players, with ELO ratings of between 1600 and 2000, and ~2300 Expert players with ratings between 2000 and 2200. Master players are considered those with an ELO rating of above 2200, and there were only around 1200 of them in 2004.

Chess Throughout the History

The First Chess Championship

The first official World Chess Championship was held in 1886, showing the long-standing history of chess. It is also a reminder of the game’s longevity and importance in competitive gaming overall.

Computer Chess Program Deep Blue

The computer chess program Deep Blue became globally popular in 1997, after beating the World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov. It is a milestone in the history of chess, as it marks the first time a computer program was able to defeat a human world champion. Additionally, it is a testament to the power of technology and its ability to challenge even the most experienced and the most skilled human players. On top of that, this statistic is also a reminder of the importance of staying ahead of the curve when it comes to technology. It has the potential to significantly revolutionize the game of chess.

Talking about chess and computers, ChessGenius Pro 2024 is an interesting chess computer that you might find intriguing, regardless of your skill level. It is easy and intuitive to use, while its powerful processor delivers lightning-fast response times at all game levels. Compared to the previous model, the design has been completely modernized. The computer now features a super slim design and stylish pieces that fit well in hand.

Chess as a Medal Sport

Interestingly, chess was a part of the Asian Games as a medal sport in 2000. The inclusion of Chess as a medal sport is a testament to the increasing recognition of the game in the region.

You might also be interested in how to find a chess club and community that's right for you and your child. If you are, make sure to check out our article which will provide you with all the necessary answers.

Term “Checkmate”

The first use of the term “checkmate” in English was in the late 14th century. It shows that the game has been around for centuries and that the term has been used for just as long.

Final Words

Chess is a popular two-player game that has been around for centuries. With around 600 million adults playing it regularly, it is no surprise that chess has had such staying power.