According to a survey conducted in the fourth quarter of 2024, 56 percent of respondents in the United States enjoyed chess. In contrast, 13 percent of those surveyed stated that they did not like chess.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global International Chess market size is USD 2351.2 million in 2024 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.00% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market of more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 940.48 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.2% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a share of over 30% of the global market size of USD 705.36 million.
Asia Pacific held the market of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 540.78 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America market of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 117.56 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa held the market of around 2% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 47.02 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% from 2024 to 2031.
The Wooden Chess held the highest International Chess market revenue share in 2024.

Market Dynamics of International Chess Market

Key Drivers for International Chess Market

Resurgence of Chess in Popular Culture to Increase the Demand Globally

In recent years, chess has experienced a great resurgence in a famous way of life, propelled by its depiction in TV shows, movies, and documentaries. This newfound spotlight has captured the imagination of audiences globally, attracting a wave of the latest players and fans to the historic sport. From riveting portrayals of intense chess suits to compelling narratives exploring the strategic depth and mental intricacies of the game, chess has captivated audiences across diverse demographics. The accessibility of on-line structures for mastering and gambling chess has similarly fueled its recognition, fostering a vibrant network of players and contributing to the cultural renaissance of this timeless game.

Growth of Online Chess Platforms to Propel Market Growth

The growth of online chess structures, exemplified by using Chess.Com and Lichess, is revolutionizing the manner humans interact with the game, providing a handy and available street for gamers of all skill stages to compete and research whenever anywhere. These structures provide a plethora of capabilities, along with tutorials, puzzles, and stay tournaments, catering to the desires of each informal player and severe fanatics. The virtual accessibility afforded by online chess structures is attracting a brand new generation of gamers to the sport, breaking down barriers of geography and time constraints. With intuitive interfaces and colorful communities, those systems foster dynamic and inclusive surroundings, nurturing the ardor for chess and contributing to its enduring attraction in the virtual age.

Restraint Factor for the International Chess Market

Perception of Chess as a Complex and Time-Consuming Game to Limit the Sales

The belief of chess as a complicated and time-ingesting sport can indeed act as a deterrent for potential new gamers. The tricky rules, strategic intensity, and reputedly limitless possibilities may be intimidating, leading a few to understand chess as inaccessible or daunting. The perceived investment of effort and time required to turn out to be gifted may encourage people to take up the sport. However, tasks geared toward demystifying chess, which includes newbie-pleasant tutorials, simplified learning resources, and accessible online platforms, can assist in alleviating those barriers. By highlighting the highbrow stimulation, social connections, and leisure that chess gives, efforts may be made to reshape perceptions and appeal to a more varied variety of gamers to the sport.

Impact of Covid-19 on the International Chess Market

The worldwide chess marketplace has had extensive impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While conventional over-the-board tournaments confronted cancellations and postponements because of social distancing measures and journey restrictions, on-line chess platforms witnessed a surge in reputation. With hundreds of thousands of people worldwide in search of entertainment and highbrow stimulation throughout lockdowns, on-line chess experienced a resurgence, attracting new gamers and fans to the game. However, the pandemic disrupted sponsorship offers, event ...

As of January 2025, the FIDE World Championship 2021 recorded a peak online viewership of over 613,000, making it the most popular event by peak viewership. In second place, the FIDE World Championship 2023 recorded over 572,000 peak viewers.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Chess market will be USD 874million in 2023 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.00% from 2023 to 2030.

The global Chess market will expand significantly by 4.00% CAGR between 2023 and 2030.
The demand for Chess is rising due to the integration of Chess by educational institutions.
Demand for wooden Chess remains higher in the Chess market.
The indoor sports category held the highest Chess market revenue share in 2023.
North American Chess will continue to lead, whereas the European Chess market will experience the most substantial growth until 2030.

Growth of Online Chess Platforms and Apps to Provide Viable Market Output

The growth of online chess platforms and apps bolsters the market's growth. The surge can be attributed to increased accessibility, allowing enthusiasts worldwide to engage in virtual Chess matches seamlessly. These platforms offer diverse features, including interactive tutorials, multiplayer options, and the ability to compete with players globally. The convenience of playing anytime, anywhere, and the rise of online chess communities has attracted a broader audience. Moreover, integrating advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence for personalized learning and analysis, enhances the gaming experience, fostering the market's continuous expansion.

Rise of Competitive Gaming to Propel Market Growth

The rise of competitive gaming has significantly impacted the Chess market. As digital platforms facilitate online play and streaming, Chess has become a popular sport, captivating a broad audience. Competitive gaming has increased Chess, fostering intense online competitions, streaming platforms, and professional leagues. This surge in interest has driven market growth, attracting sponsors, investors, and a wider consumer base. The intersection of technology, accessibility, and the strategic depth of chess positions it as a compelling choice in the competitive gaming landscape, further propelling its global market expansion.

Growth in chess set collectors is increasing its popularity 

Market Dynamics For Chess

High Price for Quality Sets to Restrict Market Growth

The high price for quality sets constrains the growth of the market. Premium materials, intricate craftsmanship, and attention to detail contribute to the elevated costs of these sets, limiting accessibility for a broader consumer base. The exclusivity of top-tier chess sets may deter potential enthusiasts and casual players, hindering market expansion. This pricing barrier challenges market growth, as affordability remains crucial in attracting a diverse demographic. Manufacturers and stakeholders must strategize effectively to address this constraint and make quality chess sets more accessible to a wider audience.

Impact of COVID–19 on the Chess Market?

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the Chess market significantly. While physical chess events and tournaments faced disruptions with lockdowns and social distancing measures, the surge in online chess engagement soared during the pandemic. Platforms like Chess.com and lichess.org reported significant user registrations and game activity increases. The shift to digital formats highlighted the resilience of the chess community, fostering a broader and more accessible global player base. Additionally, the pandemic prompted increased interest in Chess as a recreational activity, leading to a boost in sales of chess sets and related merchandise for home use. What is Chess?

The rising popularity of Chess globally, growth of online chess platforms and apps, educational benefits provided by Chess, rise of competitive gaming, integration of Chess by educational institutions, involvement of celebrities and high-profile personalities, rise in events and tournaments globally, continuous innovation in chess sets, boards, and related accessories, growing sponsorships and partnerships with chess organizations by corporates, and increase in media coverage such as news and documentaries helping to popularize Chess are the major factors bolstering the growth of the Chess market.

Chess and card games were the most popular mobile games among Chinese gamers during the 2021 Spring Festival holiday. On average, users spent 4.4 hours a day on chess or card games. In the meantime, Chinese mobile gamers spent on average 1.5 hours playing ARPG during the public holiday.

In 2022, the most popular sport among people aged 65 and older in Israel was the card game Bridge with nearly 74 percent mentioning it. Chess was the second most popular sport among people in this age group with just under seven percent. Pétanque, a lawn bowls game originating in France came in as third most popular sport in the country among people in this age group.

Over half of the adults in the United States who were aware of skill-based real money gaming (RMG) had also played such games. About 64 percent of respondents between the ages of 18 and 34 years who had heard of real money skill games, also known as cash games, also played such titles. Some U.S. states make a distinction between gambling on a game of chance and gambling on a game of skill. Popular online games of skill are card games (including poker), chess, rummy, or dominoes.

In 2023, Fujii Sota was the highest earning Shogi professional in Japan, making an estimated 186.34 million Japanese yen over the course of the year. Shogi, also referred to as "Japanese chess", is a turn-based strategy board game similar to chess in many aspects. It is mainly played in Japan and enjoys popularity. It has a professional scene which includes Shogi leagues hosting professional matches, a national Shogi union, and official title tournaments.

As of January 2025, there were seven different titleholders in the professional Shogi world, four of which were honorary title holders. Shogi, also referred to as "Japanese chess", is a turn-based strategy board game similar to chess in many respects. It is mainly played in Japan and enjoys there considerable popularity for a board game. It has a professional scene with various leagues and title tournament matches.

About eight in ten adults in the United States were aware of skill-based real money games (RMG), also known as cash games. Respondents between 18 and 34 years were most likely to have heard of real money skill games. Some U.S. states make a distinction between gambling on a game of chance and gambling on a game of skill. Popular online games of skill are card games (including poker), chess, rummy, or dominoes.