Chess.com is thrilled to announce GothamChess vs. The World, an exclusive Vote Chess match between IM Levy Rozman and the global chess community, starting September 30. Will the internet’s most-watched chess streamer be able to outwit the collective wisdom of potentially hundreds of thousands of players? Or will the world checkmate “The Internet’s Chess Teacher?”
In May, GM Magnus Carlsen was held to a draw by more than 143,000 players in Magnus vs. The World on Chess.com, the largest online chess game ever played. The match generated over 500,000 votes and 30,000 forum comments while receiving worldwide media coverage.
The Carlsen clash broke the previous record set by Vishy vs. The World (70,000) in 2024, which itself paid tribute to Garry Kasparov‘s legendary 1999 match against 50,000 players.
Now, you will have the opportunity to join forces to face the world’s most popular chess content creator. Will the world record for the largest online chess game be broken yet again?
Rozman is known to millions as GothamChess, an international master, commentator, author, and, above all, the world’s biggest chess YouTuber. His channel, which boasts 6.6 million subscribers, has introduced chess to a new generation of players thanks to his energetic and entertaining style. A few days ago, his channel reached an incredible milestone.
Reached 4 billion view today. Still absolutely blows my mind that this many people play and watch chess. Despite all the drama, I am optimistic about the future.
— GothamChess (@GothamChess) August 25, 2025
GothamChess is ready for the challenge, saying: “I’m excited to take on the world in a chess match. My main goal is to avoid embarrassment and put on a solid, respectable performance. Previously, legends like Kasparov, Magnus, and Vishy all took part in a similar competition. Obviously, I should be included in this group because I am equally handsome and talented.”
My main goal is to avoid embarrassment and put on a solid, respectable performance.
—Levy Rozman
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Levy Rozman beat the entire world?
Well, we thought Magnus Carlsen would “almost definitely” beat the world and “by a wide margin.” We now know that he didn’t. With all due respect, Levy is not at the same level as the world number one, but what is clear is that he is a very strong player, so it’s really hard to say. This is just one more reason why this is going to be such an exciting match!
How does Vote Chess work?
In a Vote Chess match, instead of a single player deciding what move to make, a group of individuals votes on the next move. The game proceeds with the move that got the most votes by the end of the voting period.
While Carlsen played with the white pieces, Rozman will have the black pieces. That means the chess community will play with White and vote on each move. At the end of each 24-hour voting period, the move with the most votes will be played.
Do I have to vote for every single move?
No, you don’t have to vote on every move to participate in this match. Even if you only vote once, that is enough to put you on the list of people who played in the event. So, even if you’re too busy to play the entire game, you can still be a part of the fun by voting every now and then!
How will coaches communicate with the community?
Two coaches, Chess.com’s own NM Dane Mattson and WIM Ayelen Martinez, will provide analysis and assist the community with their thoughts about the game to help community members come up with better moves. They’ll do so through the comment section of the game itself. You’ll find it right below the chessboard where the game is happening.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make chess history by taking on GothamChess in what is bound to be an unforgettable event!
Do you think The World can defeat Levy Rozman, and will it break Carlsen’s record of 144,000 participants? Let us know in the comments below!
