Austrian Grandmaster Felix Blohberger is raising some serious concerns about the future of professional chess in Europe, especially for players who aren’t in the top rankings. In a recent discussion, Blohberger revealed the tough reality facing many European gamers who are struggling to make a living through chess. Let’s dive into what he shared and why it matters to the world of chess.
Financial Struggles for European Players
In a heartfelt statement, Blohberger pointed out that making a living solely from chess is becoming increasingly difficult in Europe, particularly if you are outside the top 30 players. Prize money at chess tournaments has not seen significant increases, which means that many talented players are finding it hard to support themselves.
- Blohberger highlights that stagnant prize money is a major factor affecting the financial stability of professionals.
- He also notes that European governments provide minimal support for successful chess players compared to their Asian counterparts.
- This makes it tough for many players to continue pursuing their passion full-time, leading to a worrying decline in the local chess scene.
Support for Chess in Asia vs. Europe
One striking point made by Blohberger is the disparity in support provided to chess players in different regions. While Europe is lagging behind, countries in Asia often provide substantial financial backing and recognition to their chess stars. For example, players from countries like Uzbekistan and India often receive government support that can help them thrive in the sport.
- In his video titled “Being a Chess Professional (in Europe) sucks,” Blohberger aims to start a crucial conversation about these discrepancies.
- He suggests that European chess needs to adopt a similar approach to ensure its players can earn a living.
- He believes this support is essential for the future of chess on the continent.
Suggestions for Improvement
So, what does Blohberger think can be done to improve the situation? He emphasizes the need for greater popularity of chess through quicker formats, such as rapid and blitz games, which many players find exciting and fun.
- He explains that these formats could attract new audiences and increase participation in tournaments.
- Additionally, he proposes that lower-ranked players explore content creation as a means to supplement their incomes, harnessing their skills and love for the game.
Conclusion: The Future of Chess in Europe
Blohberger’s comments shed light on an essential issue that challenges the identities of chess players in Europe. The financial struggles put many talented individuals at risk of leaving the sport they love. If changes don’t occur, the stability of professional chess could be jeopardized. The hope remains that by addressing these issues openly, the community can find solutions to keep the game alive and thriving throughout Europe and beyond.
