'The Future Of Chess Growth' With Prominent Guests At MIT Sloan Sports Conference

Can chess continue its meteoric rise? How will the game evolve in the esports landscape? And what role does sports analytics play in shaping competitive chess strategies? These key questions will be discussed at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference this week.

Held at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston from March 7 to 8, the conference is in its 19th year and regarded as one of the most prestigious and influential gatherings of world sports.

The event brings together experts, industry leaders, and passionate enthusiasts representing all aspects of various sports—from NBA, NFL, and NASCAR to soccer managers, sports media, and businesses—to share their knowledge and expertise.

Chess.com will return for the seventh time for a panel discussion with a group of familiar chess personalities. On Friday, March 7, Chief Chess Officer IM Danny Rensch also returns as a host, while world-famous content creator WFM Alexandra Botez and IM Levy Rozman, the world's most popular chess YouTuber, will join the discussion.

Also on the panel is the President of Basketball Operations at the Philadelphia 76ers, Daryl Morey, along with Ella Papanek, Quantitative Sports Trader at Susquehanna International Group. This year's discussion topic will be Checkmate and Innovate: The Future of Chess Growth.

Over the last five years, chess has experienced a renaissance, capturing the attention of millions worldwide. From the explosion of streaming content during the pandemic to the emergence of fantasy betting, the game has become more dynamic and engaging than ever. The panel will explore:

• How sports analytics is shaping modern chess strategy

• The impact of fantasy sports and betting on chess engagement

• Which geographic regions are driving chess's global growth

• How the game is expanding among women and other key demographics

In addition to the panel discussions, Chess.com will host several events, including a hand and brain match featuring Rensch and Rozman, followed by a session of Guess the Elo with Levy. Rensch will also host a simul.

Chess has become a key part of the conference over the years. Last year's event saw a chess boxing match between Rensch and Rozman and a panel discussion where the duo was joined by Chess.com commentator GM Robert Hess, FM James Canty, and Morey, discussing the evolution of chess in the digital era.

The 2025 MIT's Sloan Sports Analytics Conference will take place at the Boston Convention Center on March 7 and 8. Further details and the full schedule can be found on the official webiste. Follow Chess.com's social media for updates.