Austrian Grandmaster Felix Blohberger has recently brought attention to a difficult situation that many chess players in Europe are facing. According to him, the financial struggles in the chess world are making it very hard for them to earn a living just from playing the game they love. His comments come as a wake-up call, highlighting how the situation is getting worse for professional chess players on the continent.
The Financial Struggles of Chess Players
In a heartfelt discussion shared on his popular YouTube channel, Blohberger pointed out that many players are finding it increasingly tough to make enough money from chess tournaments alone. Here are some of the key points he shared:
- Many European players, especially those ranked lower than 30, struggle to earn a living solely from chess.
- Blohberger noted that the prize money for tournaments has not changed much over the years, making it hard for players to support themselves.
- He mentioned the high cost of living in Europe, which adds extra pressure on these players.
- Comparing the situation in Europe to Asia, he highlighted that many Asian countries provide substantial support, such as cash prizes, apartments, and cars, for their top players.
Why is Chess Struggling in Europe?
One of the biggest issues pointed out by Blohberger is that the prize amounts for European chess tournaments often don’t keep up with inflation or the living costs. For example, a German Grandmaster was awarded only €3,000 for winning an individual gold in a recent Olympiad, which is a stark contrast to the kind of support Asian players receive. Blohberger’s view is that these disparities make it difficult for talented players to focus on their game without worrying about money all the time.
Calls for Change
Blohberger argues passionately that changes need to happen to keep chess thriving in Europe. He suggested some innovative ideas to help support players:
- Promoting formats like rapid and blitz chess to increase viewer engagement and excitement.
- Encouraging players to share their experiences online and create attractive content for fans, which could lead to new income sources.
- Challenging authorities and organizations to raise not just the prize money, but also the recognition for European players in general.
Global Support versus Local Challenges
To further illustrate his points, Blohberger compared the differences in how chess players are treated around the world. In countries like Uzbekistan, chess masters were rewarded with luxurious prizes after they won the 2022 Olympiad gold, further motivating the players. Unfortunately, similar support and recognition aren’t seen for European players, leading to feelings of being undervalued.
Looking Ahead
Despite these challenges, Blohberger remains optimistic that with the right changes, chess can regain its popularity and financial viability in Europe. He believes that the chess community can come together to support each other and advocate for the recognition that passionate players deserve. The potential exists for chess to prosper in Europe again, but it requires determination and creative approaches from both players and supporters alike.
Conclusion
Austrian Grandmaster Felix Blohberger truly seems to speak for many in the chess community who feel let down by the current financial landscape. His push for changes resonates deeply, helping raise awareness about the struggles faced by European players. As the game continues to grow globally, it will be exciting to see how the European chess scene adapts and evolves for the future.
