NODWIN Gaming, Chess.com, and ChessBase India Join Forces for Future of Competitive Chess in India

Credit: NODWIN Gaming, Chess.com, and ChessBase India

NODWIN Gaming, India's top esports organizer, has announced a strategic partnership with Chess.com and ChessBase India. 

Together, they plan to co-develop original IPs, organize new competitive formats, and scale community and creator-led initiatives in India. 

Speaking about the collaboration, Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, emphasized how chess is no longer confined to quiet libraries or casual park games. “From park benches to sold-out esports arenas, chess has gone mainstream. It’s now the fourth most-watched sport in India after cricket, kabaddi, and BGMI. With this partnership, we’re not just preserving chess — we’re future-proofing it.”

According to data shared by Chess.com, the game’s popularity has seen a dramatic global rise. In 2024 alone, over 7.6 billion games were played on the platform, with India contributing significantly. More than 9 million Indians actively play each month, with 550,000 new users signing up monthly. Viewership has also exploded, with the platform recording 925 million total organic views — a staggering 640% year-over-year increase.

The recent Gukesh Dommaraju vs. Ding Liren World Chess Championship match streamed exclusively in India through this trio of partners attracted over 24 million views, with a peak concurrent audience of 200,000. That’s a clear signal that India isn’t just watching — it's participating at scale.

Interestingly, cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Chennai now rank among the world’s top chess-viewing regions. Most of this audience tunes in via mobile devices, with over 80% of views coming from smartphones. The largest viewer base falls in the 18–34 age group, underlining how chess is finding strong footing among Gen Z and millennial fans.

Sagar Shah, CEO of ChessBase India, expressed his vision for the collaboration, saying, “This isn’t just about events or broadcasts — it’s about building a real, lasting chess culture. With support from NODWIN and Chess.com, we can create opportunities for every player, coach, and fan involved in Indian chess.”

Avadh Shah, Country Director of Chess.com India, echoed the sentiment, pointing out that chess has become one of the fastest-growing sports globally, especially over the past three years. “This alliance is a reflection of that growth. We’re excited to take things further and bring more partners on board.”

What’s also notable is that this partnership arrives just as chess steps into the spotlight of global esports. The Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 will see chess debut as an official title with a prize pool of $1.5 million. Representing India will be esports org S8UL, fielding top Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram — a first for India on the global esports chess stage.

Ultimately, this partnership lays the foundation for a future where chess is not just a game of intellect but also a mainstream spectator sport. With a mix of elite players, influencer engagement, and digital-first infrastructure, NODWIN Gaming, Chess.com, and ChessBase India are setting the stage for Indian chess to thrive on the global map.