The Fall and Rise of Chess: A Century of Ups and Downs

Chess, with its millennia-long history, has experienced fluctuations in popularity throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. From its peak as an intellectual symbol to moments of decline and its spectacular resurgence in the digital age, the game has evolved alongside society.

The 20th Century: From Intellectual Elites to Popular Culture

In the early 20th century, chess was seen as a game for intellectual elites. Figures like José Raúl Capablanca and Alexander Alekhine dominated the scene, cementing chess as a prestigious sport. However, it was during the Cold War that chess reached its global peak. The 1972 match between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky not only symbolized the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union but also brought chess to television and public debate.

Yet, with the fall of the USSR in the 1990s, chess lost some of its mystique. Without the geopolitical narrative to support it, public interest waned, and chess returned to more specialized circles. Despite the achievements of notable figures like Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov, the lack of media coverage limited its reach.

The Decline and Crisis in the Early Digital Age

The 1990s and early 2000s were tough times for chess. While computers began to show their power with the historic match between Kasparov and Deep Blue in 1997, the game lost space in traditional media. The lack of financial incentives and the dominance of a single player (Kasparov first, followed by Kramnik and Anand) reduced its appeal to the masses.

Moreover, internal crises in FIDE (the International Chess Federation) and the creation of parallel tournaments divided the competitive landscape. Many countries reduced their financial support, and chess was no longer prioritized in education and sports.

The Renaissance in the 21st Century: The Internet and Popular Culture

Chess began its revival in the digital age. Platforms like Chess.com and Lichess enabled players from all over the world to face off online, removing physical barriers. Moreover, the broadcasting of tournaments through Twitch and YouTube, with charismatic commentators and accessible analysis, made the game feel more dynamic and entertaining.

Key moments in this resurgence include Magnus Carlsen’s dominance, whose personality and playing style attracted a new generation, and the explosion of chess during the 2020 pandemic. With millions of people at home seeking entertainment, chess became one of the most popular activities on digital platforms. Netflix’s series The Queen’s Gambit (2020) also played a significant role in the game’s revaluation, especially among young and female audiences.

The Future of Chess

Today, chess continues to grow, with hybrid tournaments, improved artificial intelligence, and new generations of players who see the game as a tool for cognitive development. Furthermore, the rise of online education has allowed chess to reach communities that previously had no access to the game.

Despite its history of ups and downs, chess has proven to be a resilient game, capable of adapting to technological and cultural changes. Its evolution continues, and all signs point to its influence continuing to expand in the coming decades.

The Future of Chess and Chessby

As chess continues to thrive in the digital realm, platforms like Chessby are playing a crucial role in shaping its future. Chessby not only brings the game to players around the world but also promotes its educational value. The app integrates interactive tools and features that allow players to enhance their skills, fostering a new generation of chess enthusiasts. With plans to offer both physical and online events, as well as educational resources, Chessby is setting the stage for the next chapter of chess, making the game accessible, engaging, and inclusive for everyone.

Chess, with its millennia-long history, has experienced fluctuations in popularity throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. From its rise as an intellectual symbol to moments of decline and its spectacular resurgence in the digital age, the game has evolved along with society.

The 20th Century: From the Intellectual Elite to Popular Culture

At the beginning of the 20th century, chess was seen as a game of the intellectual elite. Figures such as José Raúl Capablanca and Alexander Alekhine dominated the scene, consolidating chess as a highly prestigious sport. However, it was during the Cold War that chess reached its maximum global relevance. The confrontation between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky in 1972 not only symbolized the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, but also brought chess to television and public debate.

However, with the fall of the USSR in the 1990s, chess lost some of its mysticism. Without a geopolitical narrative to back it up, public interest waned and chess was once again relegated to specialist circles. Despite prominent figures such as Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov, the lack of media coverage affected its reach.

The Decline and Crisis in the Early Digital Age

The 1990s and early 2000s were a difficult time for chess. Although computers began to demonstrate their power with the historic duel between Kasparov and Deep Blue in 1997, the game lost ground in traditional media. The lack of economic incentives and the dominance of a single player (Kasparov first, Kramnik and Anand later) reduced its appeal to the masses.

Furthermore, the internal crisis in FIDE (International Chess Federation) and the creation of parallel tournaments divided the competitive landscape. Many countries cut back on financial support, and chess was no longer considered a priority in education and sport.

The 21st Century Revival: Internet and Popular Culture

The chess renaissance began with the digital age. Platforms like Chess.com and Lichess allowed players from all over the world to compete online, removing physical barriers. In addition, the broadcasting of tournaments through Twitch and YouTube, with charismatic commentators and accessible analysis, made the game feel more dynamic and entertaining.

Key moments in this revival include the hegemony of Magnus Carlsen, whose personality and playing style attracted a new generation, and the explosion of chess during the 2020 pandemic. With millions of people at home looking for entertainment, chess became one of the most popular activities on digital platforms. The Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit (2020) also played a fundamental role in revaluing the game, especially among young and female audiences.

The Future of Chess

Today, chess continues to grow, with hybrid tournaments, improved artificial intelligence, and new generations of players who see it as a tool for cognitive development. Additionally, the rise of online education has allowed chess to reach communities that previously had no access to the game.

Despite its checkered history, chess has proven to be a resilient game, capable of adapting to technological and cultural changes. Its evolution continues, and all indications are that its influence will continue to expand in the decades to come.

Chessby is a digital platform designed to connect chess players in the real world. It helps users find nearby chess-friendly locations, such as cafés, parks, and clubs, where they can play over-the-board games. Additionally, Chessby offers educational resources, including online courses and chess-themed products, with a strong social commitment to promoting gender equality in chess and making educational materials accessible to underserved communities.

The platform also plans to include features for local chess teachers to promote their courses and for players to discover chess events in their area. Chessby combines technology with a community-driven approach, making it easier for chess enthusiasts to meet, learn, and play in person.