CHECKMATES

There's a new cult game in esports, an arena that's been thriving, particularly... given the onset of a global pandemic and the even more pressing need for global gamers to stay home. But it isn't the shiniest new PC game that requires a bunch of complicated hardware－it's chess. And esports has proved to be a huge boost for the age-old game, as more gamers stream online as they play tournaments and competitive rounds in front of virtual audiences.

In a way, it makes sense. One of the oldest board games still played today, modern chess is a combat strategy game rooted in medieval times. With castles, knights, kings, queens and bishops, it even has royal credentials, all on its geometric, grid-like board. While the game's slow-paced strategies seem at odds with the fast-paced social-media culture on platforms like Twitch, chess is, surprisingly, one of the fastest-growing games on the platform.

Twitch is by far the largest esports streaming platform－and it's a booming business. The market for competitive gaming and social online gaming hit $1.1 billion last year, according to market research firm Newzoo.Chess.com, the largest digital chess website, counts 33 million members among its ranks.

Leading the charge are people like Alexandra Botez, the first female president of the Stanford University Chess Club, and one of Canada's top-ranked players. A chess streamer with 67,000 followers on Twitch (as BotezLive), she plays live games and provides simultaneous commentary in a chatroom that usually has more than 1,000 members.

"My stream is live almost every day, but Saturdays are dedicated to helping get more girls involved in chess," says Botez on her Instagram. "I'm excited to help create an environment that is friendly for female players. Anyone can watch. Also stay tuned for updates, as I'm planning on hosting a similar open-to-all event to help provide escapism for everyone doing the responsible thing and isolating at home."

So why not utilize this self-quarantine and social-distancing time to get your game on with a new hobby－or a refresher on your chess technique?

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