• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 22, 2025

How World Champion Magnus Carlsen Rode the Chess Boom

  • World chess champion Magnus Carlsen launched Play Magnus in 2013.
  • In February it became the world’s only publicly traded chess company.
Design: Alex Brooks

World chess champion Magnus Carlsen has both stoked and parlayed a boom in chess interest to turn his fame and dominance in the age-old game into a major business.

Carlsen cofounded Play Magnus in 2013, the same year he became world champion. The company has expanded from a training app to include a playing platform, lessons, and a publishing arm.

In February, it listed on the Oslo stock exchange, becoming the only publicly traded chess company in the world.

  • Play Magnus saw both its revenues and expenses grow in the last year, with third-quarter earnings growing 176% year-over-year to $5.5 million.
  • However, expenses have risen along with revenue, and the company posted a $5.3 million pre-tax loss in the quarter.
  • Play Magnus had $22 million in cash as of Nov. 15.

Interest in chess has risen over the last year, particularly after the release of the hit Netflix show “The Queen’s Gambit” in November 2020, which was streamed by 62 million households in its first 28 days.

Popular chess playing and teaching site chess.com added 1 million accounts each month for the 12 months starting in March 2020 — including 2.8 million in November of that year. The site now boasts 76 million members.

Carlsen began the defense of his title last Wednesday against grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi. The first three games of the 14-match tournament ended in draws.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Magnus-Carlsen-Chess

The Most Heated Rivalry in Chess Is Back After Two Years

The world’s best player will face the man he accused of cheating.
American chess grandmaster Hans Niemann watches opponents move during chess match

Magnus Carlsen, Chess.com File to Dismiss $100M Suit

The world’s top chess player and platform called a defamation lawsuit meritless.
Magnus-Carlsen-Chess

How a Huge Cheating Scandal Altered the Chess World

In September, world chess champion Magnus Carlsen accused Hans Niemann of cheating.
Magnus-Carlsen-Chess

Chess Grandmaster Makes His Countermove: Sues for $400M

Chess grandmaster Hans Niemann sued Chess.com and Magnus Carlsen, seeking $400 million.

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.

Michelle Wie West: LPGA Earnings vs Endorsements ‘Leveling Out’

The retired golfer made just $6.82 million on-course during her LPGA Tour run, but millions more off the green.
Keegan Murray
October 21, 2025

$20 Million Per Year Becoming New Baseline for NBA Role Players

Christian Braun signed a five-year deal worth $125 million.
Malonga
October 21, 2025

Turkish Dispute Could Cloud French Star’s Return to WNBA 

Fenerbahçe needs to give Dominique Malonga a “letter of clearance.”
Sponsored

Michelle Wie West: Women’s Sports Doesn’t Need Charity

The LPGA legend on redefining women’s sports and the future of golf.
Jamier Brown
October 21, 2025

Judge Temporarily Allows Ohio High Schoolers to Make NIL Deals

Most states do not restrict high school NIL deals.
October 21, 2025

Nicklaus Wins $50M Defamation Lawsuit Over False LIV Golf Claims

The legendary golfer sued his former company.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.
Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) hands off the ball in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
October 20, 2025

Mac Jones, Daniel Jones Cash In on Big Incentive Money

Both quarterbacks have hit big contract incentives just halfway through the season.