20 Profitable Chess Business Ideas [2024]
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In 2024, the number of people playing chess in the United States is estimated at 25-30 million. And worldwide, chess is played in more than 150 countries; it's estimated that hundreds of millions of people know and love chess. With the right tools, branding and positioning, you can turn this timeless game of strategy and intellect into a lucrative business opportunity. Whether you are an experienced player or simply in love with the game, there are many ways to turn your passion for chess into a business. In this article we explore 20 of them. Read on to learn about the profitable chess business ideas that can help you make the most of this strategic sport in 2024.
1. Online Chess Coaching
For people with background in chess and a chess rank, coaching online chess coaching is a booming industry. With platforms like Zoom and Skype, you can offer personalized lessons to students around the globe. Create structured courses for different skill levels and charge a premium for one-on-one sessions.
See what Jacob Aagaard's chess coaching website looks like now. What it lacks is branding, and you can provide it!
2. Chess Content Creation
Start a YouTube channel or a blog dedicated to chess: you can monetize it through ads, sponsorships, memberships, selling your merchandise and courses. Fun, engaging, and educational content with strategies, tutorials, chess challenges, and game analysis will attract a large audience and generate significant revenue.
Check out this YouTube channel, GothamChess, created by a passionate player and streamer. This video, for example, has 13M views:
3. Chess E-books and Courses
Sell your skill in chess technique, opening, and endgame by writing and selling an e-book or teach with online courses. Provide opportunities in various platforms like Udemy and Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing for drawing eyeballs across the globe.
See what chess courses are trending in 2024.
4. Chess Tournaments
Organize and host chess tournaments - you can do it both online and offline, charging entry fees and attracting sponsors. With successful tournaments, you can also offer merchandise sales and streaming rights to participants and viewers, providing multiple revenue streams.
Here's how to organize a chess tournament from scratch.
5. Chess Merchandise
Design and sell chess-themed merchandise such as T-shirts, mugs, and posters. Use platforms like Etsy or your own e-commerce site to reach a broader audience. Unique designs can appeal to both chess players and fans.
You can take inspiration from Redbubble's chess section.
There is money to be made in less obvious areas, too. Read this solopreneur success story about Michael Houck, who went from Uber driver to building a newsletter empire in less than a year:
6. Chess Club Management
Open a chess club in your locality and charge for membership. You can offer your clients provisions for regular meetups, tournaments, and training sessions; you can also collaborate with schools and community centers to garner more memberships and be more interactive.
See how World Chess Club Berlin organizes their club with live and online meetings.
7. Chess Software Development
Develop chess-related software such as training programs, game analysis tools, puzzle solving tools, or interactive puzzles. Sell the software at once or through subscription offers. Your brand, unique ton of voice, and innovative features can be what attracts and retains your customers.
Watch this video on how to get rich as a software developer:
8. Chess Set Design and Sales
With 3D printing, you can create and sell custom chess sets tailored to your customers' wildest wishes. Or you can specialize in completely handmade, one-of-a-kind chess pieces to sell as high-end items or collector's editions. You can use online marketplaces or your website for distribution.
The opportunity here are endless: a 3D printed minion chess set, for example.
9. Chess Mobile App Development
Develop a mobile app for chess lovers. Applications may include online play, puzzles, tutorials, etc. Monetize it through in-app purchases, ad running, and premium subscriptions.
See the variety of chess apps on the market to find an untapped niche.
10. Chess Streaming and Commentary
Create a streaming channel on Twitch or any other platform where you can broadcast live chess games with commentary and analysis of the match. Monetize with subscriptions, donations and sponsorships. With quality commentary and a good-humored approach to the game and your followers, you will easily find your audience.
Check out one of the most popular chess streamers on twitch, Anna Cramling.
11. Chess Bookstore
Open a bookstore specializing in chess literature, carrying everything from beginner's guides to highly technical, advanced strategy manuals. Bring in business by hosting book signings and chess events.
Look at what the already existing chess bookstores offer their customers. For example, here's House of Staunton.
12. Chess Camps and Retreats
Running camps or retreats for chess players of all ages can be a good business. Offer an intensive course in chess learning, complemented by relaxing activities and socializing. Premium locations can attract premium prices, while quality coaching will justify the same.
Watch this video on the ins and outs of starting a retreat business:
13. Chess Puzzle Creation
Create chess puzzles in book form or as downloadable digital files in PDF format. You can divide them into levels, from beginner to the trickiest puzzles for pro players, so that your product appeals to a very wide audience. From school children to chess clubs to individual chess players, your clients will be happy to
See a variety of chess puzzles on Chess.com for inspiration.
14. Chess Blogging and Vlogging
Start a chess blog, vlog or channel where you can share your ideas about news from the chess world, give game reviews, and even conduct interviews with popular and novice chess players. This can be an effective way to make money through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts and advertising.
Eric Rosen's YouTube channel is a great example of such content.
15. Chess Tournament Streaming Services
Offer streaming services for chess tournaments. Provide professional coverage, with live commentary, interviews with players, etc. Charge the organizers and attract sponsors.
See in which format chess tournaments are streamed now:
If you're hesitant to believe that investing in a new business will pay off, check out this story of how launching the right project made Dru Riley a millionaire:
16. Chess Café
Themed cafes and restaurants are trendy and often become insagrammable places, attracting even more customers. Open a chess themed cafe where customers can have coffee, snacks and, of course, play chess. You can hold regular events and tournaments and sell memberships for regular visitors. Of course, what you need to make your place pop is a special chess-themed design and menu items.
Read this article to see what chess-related venues already exist, and what can you do to start an even better one.
17. Chess Board Rental
Sell/rent chessboards and chess sets for any kind of event, party, or even small gatherings. Add associated setup and teaching services. This, in turn, may prove to be a great way to introduce chess to audiences that traditionally might not be familiar with it.
Read this helpful article if you're into this business idea.
18. Chess Memorabilia Sales
Sell chess memorabilia such as autographed items, vintage chess sets, historical books, etc. Online auction sites will be great marketplaces for this, and marketing among collectors and enthusiasts.
Here, for example, is how Q Boutique brought this idea to life.
19. Chess Influencer Marketing
Become a chess influencer on social media platforms. Partner with brands to promote chess-related products and services. Leverage your following to earn through sponsorships and affiliate marketing.
Check out the @pragg_chess IG account run by an 18-year-old Indian Chess Grandmaster.
20. Chess for Kids Programs
Develop and sell chess software for children, taking into account that you're working with a younger audience. This business idea would be the right choice if you're familiar with educational science and child psychology as well as chess. Offer online courses, school programs, study materials that students can use, and grow your business by partnering with schools and other related educational institutions.
See how Chesskid.com targets chess for kids on their website.
Billion-dollar opportunities await entrepreneurs in the chess industry in 2024. By turning your skills and passion for chess into a business, you'll be well on your way to building a successful business that serves millions within the vast global chess community. From coaching to content creation to innovative product development, the chess business has enormous potential for growth and profitability. Get started today with these 20 profitable chess business ideas and build a booming business out of your chess skills.
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