Levy Rozman

Chess content creator, IM

“The prize fund for the World Chess Championship in chess has not changed in 30 years. It’s roughly the same. If you win it, you might make something like €1.2 million. But it’s not so simple! First of all, you’re going to lose 30% to 50% to taxes. On top of that, you have to have a team who are all doing research for you, who are all working as training partners. You count all of that, let’s say you took home €500,000 after taxes. You might be taking home €200,000 after taxes, for winning the literal ultimate crown!

Magnus Carlson won probably the biggest event of 2025 which was the Esports World Cup. He won $250,000. It wasn’t very odd, big thing. The next week Divya got an award in India for winning the Women’s World Cup — $350,000.

Hikaru is making money playing chess and streaming and then who else? Who in America is even breaking six figures? As a data analyst in the US starting salary is something like $80,000 and in a few years, you’re making $150,000. Why would you be a chess player?”