Chess Whiz Turns Childhood Obsession into Global Empire: 225M Players Can't Be Wrong

From Cult to Chess Empire: Danny Rensch's Unlikely Rise In a remarkable tale of perseverance and innovation, Danny Rensch, co-founder of Chess.com, has transformed his childhood passion into a global phenomenon, boasting 225 million players worldwide. Born in the Church of Immortal Consciousness, a religious cult that shunned modern technology, Rensch defied expectations to become one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the chess world. Rensch's journey began at age six, when he started playing chess with his father, who was also a member of the cult. "I was hooked from the very start," Rensch recalled in an interview. "Chess became my escape, my sanctuary." Despite being raised on food stamps and living without electricity or running water, Rensch's natural talent earned him recognition as a child prodigy. However, his success was not without its challenges. After leaving the cult at 16, Rensch faced skepticism from venture capitalists who dismissed his idea for an online chess platform. "I was laughed out of VC rooms," Rensch admitted. Undeterred, he bootstrapped Chess.com, pouring his own savings into the project. Rensch's dedication paid off in 2007 when Chess.com launched with a modest $10,000 investment. The site quickly gained popularity, thanks to its user-friendly interface and innovative features such as live streaming and online tournaments. By 2010, Chess.com had attracted over 1 million players, marking the beginning of Rensch's meteoric rise. Today, Chess.com is the largest chess platform in the world, with a valuation of $225 million. The site hosts over 100,000 online games daily, featuring top-ranked players and grandmasters. "Danny's vision has revolutionized the way people play chess," said Susan Polgar, a renowned chess champion and advocate for women's rights in chess. Rensch's success extends beyond Chess.com. He has also founded the popular YouTube channel Agadmator, which features analysis of chess games and strategies. With over 1 million subscribers, Agadmator has become a go-to destination for chess enthusiasts worldwide. As Rensch looks to the future, he remains committed to democratizing access to chess education. "We want to make chess more inclusive, more accessible," he said. "Our goal is to reach every corner of the globe and inspire a new generation of players." With his remarkable story serving as inspiration, Danny Rensch's legacy continues to unfold on the global stage. Key Statistics: 225 million players worldwide Over 100,000 online games daily $10,000 initial investment (2007) Valuation: $225 million Sources: Interview with Danny Rensch, co-founder of Chess.com Susan Polgar, renowned chess champion and advocate for women's rights in chess *Reporting by Fortune.*