HOW CHESS.COM CREATED

Chess.com was founded in 2005 by Erik Allebest and Jay Severson, who purchased the Chess.com domain name with the vision of creating the world’s most accessible and community-driven online chess platform. At a time when online chess existed but lacked strong social features and modern design, they focused on building a user-friendly website where players of all levels could play games, solve puzzles, learn through lessons, and connect with others globally. The platform officially launched in 2007 and quickly grew because it combined competitive play with forums, clubs, articles, and interactive training tools. Over time, Chess.com expanded its offerings to include computer analysis powered by advanced engines, daily and live tournaments, streaming integration, and educational content featuring grandmasters. Its growth accelerated significantly during the 2020 global pandemic, when millions turned to online platforms for entertainment and learning, making Chess.com one of the most visited chess websites in the world. The company also strengthened its position by organizing major online events, partnering with top players, and acquiring other platforms like Play Magnus Group in 2022, further expanding its global influence. Today, Chess.com serves tens of millions of users worldwide and has played a major role in the modern resurgence of chess, blending technology, community, and competitive excellence into a single digital ecosystem.

*How chess.com *was* created