Chess dying out in Europe? Austrian GM Blohberger makes sensational claims, says ‘difficult to make a living from chess

The Silent Struggle: European Chess Faces Financial Hurdles

Professional chess within Europe is facing a growing crisis, with soaring living costs and modest prize money creating a challenging landscape for aspiring grandmasters. This situation has sparked crucial conversations about the future of chess in Europe, prompting prominent players and stakeholders to call for change.

Speaking out on this issue is Grandmaster Felix Blohberger, whose recent video highlighting the financial struggles of European chess players has ignited a storm of discussion. “In his head, things are going at 100 per hour,” remarks Felix, drawing attention to the stark contrast between the fast-paced, lucrative world of online chess and the sluggish pace of investment in traditional chess in Europe.

Blohberger’s video shines a light on two major issues: the disparity between prize money and the cost of living in Europe and the lack of government support for professional players. “Thanks to everybody who voted for me. I take it as an gratitude of my five-year work within the european Parliament,” says Alexandr Vondra,highlighting the need for greater recognition and support from European institutions.

The recent triumph of the uzbek chess team at the Chess Olympiad, followed by lavish rewards bestowed by their government, serves as a poignant example. In contrast, European governments have yet to demonstrate similar levels of commitment and support.

Blohberger’s video exemplifies the urgent need for action. “What concrete steps do you think can be taken to improve the situation?” Archyde asked Blohberger. He emphasizes the need for a multi-pronged approach: increased investment in grassroots chess programs, improved prize money structures, and a greater recognition of chess as a legitimate sport deserving of government support.

The rise of online platforms presents both opportunities and challenges. While offering new avenues for income and exposure to a wider audience, they also risk further widening the gap between professional players with the resources to fully utilize these platforms and those struggling to make ends meet.

The future of chess in Europe hangs in the balance. The current stagnant landscape requires a paradigm shift, one that recognizes the value of chess, invests in its talent, and ensures that future generations of European players can compete on a global stage.

A Bleak Future for Chess in Europe? Grandmaster Raises Alarm

A concerning discrepancy is emerging in the world of chess: while global talent flourishes, European professional players outside the elite struggle to make a living.

Grandmaster Felix Blohberger, a prominent figure known for his streaming and coaching alongside his competitive play, recently sparked a crucial conversation about the future of professional chess in Europe. In a candid YouTube video titled “Being a chess Professional (in Europe) Sucks,” Blohberger bluntly stated, “It is indeed indeed challenging to ‘make a living with playing chess by itself.'” He further asserted that European players are at a significant disadvantage compared to their Asian counterparts, citing the stagnation of tournament prize money over decades.

While his message carried a strong note of concern, Blohberger emphasized that his intention wasn’t to stir controversy but to initiate a much-needed dialog on improving the situation for professional players. “This video is not there to blame anyone or put shame on anything at all. It’s simply to address the things as I see it, as a chess player living in Europe, and some things that, from my personal perspective, should be improved if professional chess in Europe wants to stay alive,” he explained.

Blohberger pinpointed two major issues plaguing European chess. The high cost of living in Europe contrasts sharply with the meager prize winnings, making it challenging for players to sustain themselves financially. Additionally, he highlighted the lack of government recognition and support for professional chess players, a stark contrast to the generous rewards offered to chess champions in Asia.

Blohberger pointed to the extravagant rewards given to the Uzbekistan team after their victory in the 2022 Chess Olympiad, which included apartments, cars, and substantial cash prizes. The All India Chess Federation (AICF) also promised significant financial rewards for the Indian teams competing in the 2024 Chess Olympiad, and D Gukesh, the recent World Chess Championship winner, received a Rs 5 crore reward from the Tamil Nadu Government.

European players, even those achieving similar feats, often receive minimal acknowledgment or financial assistance from their governments. This disparity in support creates a significant disadvantage for European professionals.

Blohberger’s observations serve as a wake-up call for the European chess community. Without tangible changes to the prize pool structure and increased governmental support, he believes professional chess in Europe faces a bleak future.He urges for more financial incentives and support and suggests that embracing faster chess formats, such as rapid and blitz, could help bolster the game’s popularity and attract greater attention.

Facing the European Chess Crisis

Grandmaster Felix Blohberger isn’t shy about speaking his mind.His candid YouTube video, “Being a Chess Professional (in Europe) Sucks,” ignited a firestorm of conversation within the chess community. Blohberger, a 22-year-old GM and active streamer, pulls no punches when it comes to describing the financial struggles faced by European chess players. We sat down with him to delve deeper into these challenges and explore potential solutions.

Archyde: Felix, your video sparked a lot of conversation. What prompted you to make such a direct statement about the state of professional chess in Europe?

“To be honest, I felt something had to be said.The situation is becoming increasingly difficult for many of us.For years, I’ve seen talented players struggle to make ends meet, and I think it’s time we openly discuss the systemic issues hindering European chess.My hope is that my video can spark a constructive dialogue and push for meaningful change,” Blohberger explains.

archyde: Your video highlights two key issues: the discrepancy in prize money compared to the cost of living in Europe and the lack of government support for professional players. Can you elaborate?

“Absolutely. While prize money in Europe has stagnated for decades, the cost of living, especially in countries like germany, has been steadily rising.This creates a precarious situation for players, particularly those outside the top tier who rely primarily on tournament earnings. It’s also disheartening to see the incredible support chess enjoys in some Asian countries. Governments there recognize the value of nurturing their chess talents, offering generous rewards and incentives.We desperately need similar recognition and investment in Europe.”

Archyde: you mentioned the example of the Uzbek team’s recent Chess Olympiad victory and the lavish rewards they received. Contrast this with the relatively subdued response from European governments.

“Exactly. The Uzbek team received apartments, cars, and significant cash prizes, recognizing their remarkable achievement. In Europe, players achieve similar feats, and the recognition often falls short. This disparity sends a clear message about the priorities different governments have when it comes to chess.”

The conversation around improving the financial landscape for European chess players is essential, and Blohberger’s bold video has undoubtedly pushed this issue to the forefront. It’s not just about competitive advantage; it’s about fostering a thriving chess community where talent can flourish without financial constraints.

Can European Chess Rise to the Challenge?

The world of chess is facing a unique challenge in Europe. While the game enjoys global popularity, professional chess in Europe struggles to compete with other regions. felix Blohberger, a prominent figure in the European chess scene, believes the situation is far from hopeless. He outlines concrete steps to revitalize the sport,emphasizing the need for increased investment and a shift in viewpoint.

“Firstly, increasing prize money across tournaments, especially those open to a wider range of players, is crucial,” Blohberger asserts. “Secondly, we need to advocate for greater government recognition and funding for chess in Europe. This could involve scholarships for promising young players, better infrastructure for training and competitions, and increased support for professional players through grants or other financial aid.”

Blohberger also highlights the potential of embracing faster chess formats like Rapid and Blitz, which enjoy immense online popularity. “These formats generate excitement and attract wider audiences, leading to greater sponsorship and investment in the game,” he explains.

The rise of online platforms like Chess.com and Lichess has undoubtedly democratized access to chess, providing opportunities for players worldwide. Blohberger acknowledges their value, stating, “Platforms like Chess.com and Lichess have democratized access to chess and opened up new opportunities for players, allowing them to connect, compete, and earn income. They’ve proven incredibly valuable resources for aspiring professionals.”

However, Blohberger emphasizes the need to strengthen the ecosystem for conventional competitive chess in Europe. “While online platforms are valuable, we still need to build a stronger, more sustainable ecosystem for conventional competitive chess in Europe to thrive,” he stresses.

Despite the challenges, blohberger remains optimistic about the future of European chess. “I firmly believe we can turn things around. Chess in Europe has a rich history and a dedicated community. It’s a cultural treasure that deserves greater support and investment. If we can address these systemic issues and create a more equitable playing field, European chess has a luminous future.”

What are the key challenges facing professional chess players in Europe,as highlighted by Felix Blohberger?

Facing the European Chess Crisis

Grandmaster Felix Blohberger isn’t shy about speaking his mind.His candid YouTube video, “Being a Chess Professional (in Europe) Sucks,” ignited a firestorm of conversation within the chess community. Blohberger, a 22-year-old GM and active streamer, pulls no punches when it comes to describing the financial struggles faced by European chess players. We sat down with him to delve deeper into these challenges and explore potential solutions.

Archyde: Felix, your video sparked a lot of conversation. What prompted you to make such a direct statement about the state of professional chess in Europe?

“To be honest, I felt somthing had to be said.The situation is becoming increasingly difficult for many of us.For years, I’ve seen talented players struggle to make ends meet, and I think it’s time we openly discuss the systemic issues hindering European chess.My hope is that my video can spark a constructive dialogue and push for meaningful change,” Blohberger explains.

archyde: Your video highlights two key issues: the discrepancy in prize money compared to the cost of living in Europe and the lack of government support for professional players. Can you elaborate?

“Absolutely. While prize money in Europe has stagnated for decades, the cost of living, especially in countries like germany, has been steadily rising.This creates a precarious situation for players, particularly those outside the top tier who rely primarily on tournament earnings. It’s also disheartening to see the unbelievable support chess enjoys in some asian countries. Governments there recognize the value of nurturing their chess talents, offering generous rewards and incentives.We desperately need similar recognition and investment in Europe.”

Archyde: you mentioned the example of the Uzbek team’s recent Chess olympiad victory and the lavish rewards they received. Contrast this with the relatively subdued response from European governments.

“Exactly. The Uzbek team received apartments,cars,and notable cash prizes,recognizing their remarkable achievement. In europe, players achieve similar feats, and the recognition often falls short. This disparity sends a clear message about the priorities different governments have when it comes to chess.”

The conversation around improving the financial landscape for European chess players is essential, and Blohberger’s bold video has undoubtedly pushed this issue to the forefront. It’s not just about competitive advantage; it’s about fostering a thriving chess community where talent can flourish without financial constraints.

Can European Chess Rise to the Challenge?

The world of chess is facing a unique challenge in Europe. While the game enjoys global popularity, professional chess in Europe struggles to compete with other regions. felix Blohberger, a prominent figure in the European chess scene, believes the situation is far from hopeless. He outlines concrete steps to revitalize the sport,emphasizing the need for increased investment and a shift in viewpoint.

“Firstly, increasing prize money across tournaments, especially those open to a wider range of players, is crucial,” Blohberger asserts.”Secondly,we need to advocate for greater government recognition and funding for chess in Europe. This could involve scholarships for promising young players, better infrastructure for training and competitions, and increased support for professional players through grants or other financial aid.”

Blohberger also highlights the potential of embracing faster chess formats like Rapid and Blitz, which enjoy immense online popularity. “These formats generate excitement and attract wider audiences, leading to greater sponsorship and investment in the game,” he explains.

The rise of online platforms like Chess.com and Lichess has undoubtedly democratized access to chess, providing opportunities for players worldwide. Blohberger acknowledges their value,stating,”Platforms like Chess.com and Lichess have democratized access to chess and opened up new opportunities for players, allowing them to connect, compete, and earn income. They’ve proven incredibly valuable resources for aspiring professionals.”

Though, Blohberger emphasizes the need to strengthen the ecosystem for conventional competitive chess in Europe. “While online platforms are valuable, we still need to build a stronger, more lasting ecosystem for conventional competitive chess in Europe to thrive,” he stresses.

Despite the challenges, blohberger remains optimistic about the future of European chess. “I firmly believe we can turn things around. Chess in Europe has a rich history and a dedicated community. It’s a cultural treasure that deserves greater support and investment. If we can address these systemic issues and create a more equitable playing field,European chess has a luminous future.”