Chess.com

Fred Fried and Erik Anderson launched Chess.com in 2007 to build a central hub for players who wanted more than just a basic board. The platform quickly grew by offering free access to live matches across standard time controls like daily, rapid, blitz, and bullet. It also introduced niche variants such as Chess960, Bughouse, and King of the Hill, giving enthusiasts plenty of ways to stretch their skills beyond traditional play.

As the site expanded, it developed a freemium model that keeps casual users engaged while monetizing serious learners through Premium subscriptions. These paid tiers unlock unlimited puzzle rushes, deep analysis engines, and video lessons taught by Grandmasters. The company also invested heavily in content creation with Chess.com TV and AI coaching bots, turning the brand into an educational powerhouse alongside its gaming roots.

A major milestone arrived during the 2020 pandemic when the Netflix series The Queen's Gambit drove a massive surge in new registrations. This cultural moment cemented the site's status as the go-to destination for online chess, boasting over 250 million registered members today. Despite competition from open-source alternatives like Lichess.org, Chess.com maintains its lead through high-profile events like Titled Tuesdays and the PogChamps series featuring internet celebrities. [edit]