Deep Dive into My Swedish Journey through Chess Club Membership
In the heart of Stockholm, every Sunday afternoon, a vibrant community of chess enthusiasts gather at Kulturhuset for Stockholm Chess, a weekly meetup initiated by David Ajena. This bustling ecosystem, which also includes a plethora of chess YouTube channels, online learning tools, and podcasts, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years.
The resurgence of chess can be traced back to late 2020, when the Netflix series The Queen's Gambit was released. The show sparked a global interest in the ancient game, leading to increased sales of chess sets, a rise in online chess platform registrations, and greater public awareness of the game in many countries, including Sweden.
One such individual who has been swept up in this chess wave is the author, who recently experienced a significant milestone - winning their first game in a tournament. The author's journey in the world of chess began when they joined a local club, where they've had the opportunity to meet many interesting people.
The author's 12-year-old son also shares this passion for the game. In a remarkable turn of events, he played against an 87-year-old woman at the same tournament, showcasing the diverse age range of participants.
Sweden's chess scene is not lacking in iconic figures. Pia Cramling, a Swedish chess legend, was the first ever Swede to be inducted into the Chess Hall of Fame. She was also the fifth ever woman to achieve the title of grandmaster, and at one point, she was the highest ranked woman in the world.
Pia's daughter, Anna Cramling, has followed in her mother's footsteps, albeit in a digital manner. Anna runs a popular YouTube channel with over 1.5 million followers, where she attracts new players to the game with her entertaining and instructive videos from the world of chess.
The author will soon take on a new role, serving as an assistant coach for a new term starting later this month. Meanwhile, the Jönköping Chess Festival, organised by Jordanian coach Ahmad Sa'dah, attracts some of the best players in Sweden and beyond.
It's worth noting that Sweden has 1.9 million members registered on chess.com, coming fourth in per capita users worldwide. This underscores the country's enduring love for the game.
Despite the lack of specific data post-The Queen's Gambit release, it's clear that the series has played a significant role in reigniting Sweden's passion for chess. For those interested in more detailed statistics, specialized Swedish chess federations, online chess platforms popular in Sweden, or market research reports from 2021 onward might hold relevant data.
The author, inspired by the global impact of The Queen's Gambit, has ventured into the world of chess, also exploring the realms of home-and-garden decor with a thematic chessboard set to complement their newfound lifestyle. In the realm of social-media, Anna Cramling's YouTube channel, brimming with entertainment and instructional content, continues to attract a diverse audience and encourage beginners to partake in the chess community.
