Chess is no longer just a niche sport in India—it’s breaking into the mainstream, with top players like Gukesh Dommaraju and Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa becoming hot commodities for brand endorsements.
🔴 Key Highlights:
- Gukesh’s victory over Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess 2025 has sparked massive brand interest, with experts predicting 5–7 new sponsorship deals for him this year.
- Myntra featured Gukesh alongside Viswanathan Anand in its FWD campaign, signaling chess’s growing influence in pop culture.
- Vantika Agrawal, a rising chess talent, is in talks for brand deals, reflecting the new wave of Indian chess stars.
- Chess.com reports a 50% increase in viewership for Norway Chess 2025, proving that precision sports are gaining traction in India.
- Brands like Britannia, LG, Adani, and Quantbox are now partnering with chess players, recognizing their strategic appeal and youth influence.
📢 Industry Experts’ Take:
- Sudeep Subhash, CEO of Big Bang Social, says chess is finally breaking out of its niche, with brands eager to tap into its intellectual and aspirational appeal.
- Neerav Tomar, MD of IOS Sports, believes chess players are becoming household names, making them valuable assets for endorsements.
⚠️ Strategic Impact:
- Chess’s rise in India is reshaping sports marketing, proving that endorsements aren’t just for cricketers and footballers.
- Young chess stars are inspiring a new generation, making the game more accessible and commercially viable.
👉 What do you think? Will chess become India’s next big commercial sport? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
🔴 Share this post to celebrate India’s chess revolution! 🚀🔥
