Exploring the Future of Chess: Insights from the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference

Chess.com was at the forefront of the discussions at this year’s MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in Boston, where the hot topics facing the game of chess were tackled head-on. From cheating scandals to format changes, branding, governance issues, and even social media comments from former world champions, the panel discussion titled “The Digital Gambit: Creating Compelling Chess Content For New Audiences” covered it all.

The panel, chaired by Chief Chess Officer IM Danny Rensch, included internet’s chess teacher GothamChess, FM James Canty III, GM Robert Hess, and President of Basketball Operations for the Philadelphia 76ers Daryl Morey. They delved into the evolution of chess in the digital era and discussed how to make the game more appealing to new audiences.

One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the need for chess to adapt to the changing landscape of content consumption. With the rise of social media and online streaming platforms, the panelists emphasized the importance of making chess broadcasts fun and engaging for viewers of all ages and skill levels.

The panel also touched on the issue of cheating in chess, with Canty highlighting how cheating scandals have actually been good for content creation and engagement. The discussion also explored the idea of introducing new formats and time controls to make chess more accessible and exciting for a broader audience.

Overall, the panelists agreed that chess needs to continue to innovate and evolve in order to reach new audiences and stay relevant in the digital age. By embracing new formats, engaging with fans on social media, and creating compelling content, chess can continue to grow and thrive in the years to come.