This edition of the 404 was a little longer in the making. But all good things come to those who wait, as we learned in the last 404.
Last month, Twitch users collectively watched over 18 million hours of live chess (according to Twitch Tracker.) Chess.com, which has been partnered with Twitch for several years, states it had over 3 million new sign ups since early November.
Chess.com is currently holding it’s third online tournament of the year, pitched at streamers from a variety of backgrounds.
I spoke to two Women’s FIDE Master title holders about their own experiences of streaming:
Anna Cramling is a professional streamer who has been playing since she was three. Her parents are both grand masters.
Diana Mirza stated playing at the ripe old of five. She is a former World Schools Champion and has recently returned to streaming chess.