Global Chess Market Research Report: Forecast (2025-2030)

Market Insights & Analysis: Global Chess Market (2025-30):

The Global Chess Market size was valued at around USD 2.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 3.3 billion by 2030. Along with this, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 4.1% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-30. The main reason behind the rise of sales of chess boards is the perception of this sport as both a Game and a hobby, and thus played regularly by people from diverse backgrounds to engage their minds and refresh them whilst increasing mental strength and intellect. Education departments within various governments have considered including chess in the study curriculum of the students, making it mandatory in various institutions. In fact, in 2011, Armenia became the first country to require chess to be a study subject. At that point, there have been several countries that have also mandated chess to be a study subject, such as Mexico, Germany, and Russia, among others. This has occurred because chess is very effective at increasing children’s mental capacity, analytics, thinking ability, and IQ, and so the increased demand for chess from this educational aspect has contributed to the increase in sales for chess services, which also includes sales of chess boards.

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The fact that this trend is developing in other regions means that demand and sales of chess boards will most likely be sustained and continue to increase shortly. Chess tournaments and championships that are held throughout the world are broadcast on television, video streaming platforms, and social media, which in turn attract lots of viewers and increase interest in this sport. For instance, the final match of the World Chess Championship, held in Singapore in the year 2024, was watched by around 50 million people in India, where Gukesh Dommaraju from India became the youngest champion. These further increase the interest of teenagers and motivate them to engage in playing chess, coupled with the high popularity of chess as a “stress buster”, perception of it in improving mental ability, and high promotion of Chess championships and tournaments across sports channels, news, and online streaming platforms fueling demand of chess boards and this trend shall continue in the forecast period too.

Global Chess Market Driver:

Rising Popularity of Mind Sports – The popularity of sports that include a high contribution of mental power is continuously increasing. This is because such games not only act as sports but also act as a stress-relieving activity. Moreover, various parents are encouraging their children to play such games as they are assumed to improve the mental ability, thinking skills, and IQ of the player. As a result, chess has been the most played mind sport, as it suits players of all age groups and insists players to play more, as no match is the same in this game. The high popularity of chess directly correlates with high sales of chess boards, thus leading to the growth of the market.

Therefore, due to the high interest of people in strategic games, chess has gained high popularity in the past years, thus increasing the sales of chess boards, and this trend is expected to continue in the forecast period as well.

Global Chess Market Opportunity:

Customized Chess Boards to Offer Lucrative Growth Opportunity – The chess boards that are designed as per the customer’s demand can provide a good growth potential for the market. This is because various people need chess sets that can match the ambiance of their homes or working spaces and act as decorative items. Moreover, such sets also suit the choice of collectors as they can control the quality of the product and get the craftsmanship they want. As a result, they will attract a lot of customers who want chess sets with their personal touches. This will boost the sales of chess boards. Therefore, offering personalized and customized chess sets will offer a good growth opportunity for the market.

Global Chess Market Challenge:

Rising Popularity of Digital Chess Games to Hinder the Market Growth – Online chess games and applications for smartphones and PCs are gaining popularity. For instance, chess.com is the most famous platform for online chess games, and its application has a community of more than 100 million users. This is because such applications allow users to play anywhere, anytime, and eliminate the handling of the physical chess board. These applications also provide lessons that improve playing strategies. As a result, the sales of physical chess boards decrease because people find online games a better option as they offer more convenience. Therefore, due to the convenience offered by online chess alternatives, people are continuously inclined towards them, thus decreasing the demand for chess boards and hence limiting the growth of the market.

Global Chess Market Trend:

Smart Chess Boards Gaining Traction – Various electronic chess boards that are equipped with advanced technologies have gained popularity in recent years. These chessboards have integrated AI in them and allow the player to enjoy the game without the requirement of the physical presence of the opponent. Movement of pieces is automated in such boards thus providing a superior experience. For instance, Chess Grand by Miko is a smart board that allows users to play with AI, friends, or more than 130 million global players. Moreover, some smart boards are designed to connect with multiple PC software to reduce the staring time at the screen. For instance, the DGT Smart Board by Chess House is a smart board that connects with a PC and resembles the game's movements in real time on the board. Therefore, several advanced features of smart boards have attracted multiple users, and this trend is expected to remain in the future as well.

Global Chess Market (2025-30): Segmentation Analysis

The Global Chess Market study of MarkNtel Advisors evaluates & highlights the major trends and influencing factors in each segment. It includes predictions for the period 2025–30 at the global level. Based on the analysis, the market has been further classified as:

Based on Product Type:

• Wooden Chess Sets
• Plastic Chess Sets
• Glass Chess Sets
• Electronic Chess Sets

Based on the type of chess set, wooden chess sets lead the market with a share of around 52%. The main reason behind this dominance is the superior characteristics of the wooden sets. They are rigid and highly durable due to which they last longer. Moreover, wooden chess boards are defined as the standard boards by regulating organizations. For instance, as per the International Chess Federation, wooden boards should be used for the competitions organized by them. Furthermore, various chess boards are made up of premium woods such as ebony, rosewood, boxwood, etc., and have excellent craftsmanship, which makes them highly popular among collectors. Therefore, due to high durability, premium designs, and worldwide acceptance, wooden chess boards dominated the market, and this dominance is expected to remain in the future years as well.

Based on Pricing:

• Low-Cost
• Mid-Range
• High-End

Based on the price of the chess sets, the mid-range segment leads the market with a share of around 56%. Products in this segment include budget-friendly chess boards and pieces made from better-quality materials. The main reason behind this dominance is that these chess sets are the best for beginner players, who are in their learning phase. Moreover, institutions such as schools and colleges, which buy chess sets in bulk quantities, are also inclined towards this segment due to the balance between affordability and quality. Additionally, as such sets are affordable by a wide consumer base, they are highly purchased by casual players who want to play at home while traveling, or for stress relief. Therefore, due to a balance between quality and cost, mid-range chess sets have been the most purchased sets, and the dominance of this segment is expected to remain in the coming years as well.

Global Chess Market (2025-30): Regional Projections

Geographically, the Global Chess Market expands across:

• North America
• South America
• Europe
• The Middle East & Africa
• Asia-Pacific

Regionally, North America dominates the market with a share of around 38%, with the US as the most prominent country. This is because chess is highly promoted by various schools in this region. Moreover, organizations such as ‘Chess in the Schools’ further promote playing chess. For instance, Chess in the Schools has taught chess to more than half a million poor children in New York City to date for free of cost. This is done to improve the memory, thinking skills, and IQ of the students. Such efforts increase the popularity of chess and hence the sales of chess boards by those organizations and multiple students.

Moreover, collecting unique products in America is a culture as old as the country itself, which increases the sales of premium chess sets. Therefore, the high popularity of chess, fuelled by a high number of collectors, has been the main reason behind this region’s dominance.

Global Chess Industry Recent Development:

• 2024: Official Staunton launched the Isle of Lewis Chess Set. This set is designed for history enthusiasts as its pieces are just like historical characters and are finely crafted, thus depicting the premium craftsmanship. Additionally, the company ships this product in gift packaging, which makes it perfect for special occasions.

Gain a Competitive Edge with Our Global Chess Market Report

1. Global Chess Market Report by MarkNtel Advisors provides a detailed & thorough analysis of market size & market share, growth rate, competitive landscape, and key players. This comprehensive analysis helps businesses gain a holistic understanding of market dynamics & make informed decisions.
2. This report also highlights current market trends & future projections, allowing businesses to identify emerging opportunities & potential challenges. By understanding market forecasts, companies can align their strategies & stay ahead of the competition.
3. Global Chess Market Report aids in assessing & mitigating risks associated with entering or operating in the market. By understanding market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and potential challenges, businesses can develop strategies to minimize risks & optimize their operations.

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