About this episode
Chess Grandmaster David Howell joins the podcast to reveal what it’s like losing to a 12-year-old prodigy who’s now one of the best players in the world. From his own journey to becoming a Grandmaster at just 16 to the evolution of chess in the digital age, David shares fascinating insights into the challenges, strategies, and stories behind the game. He also discusses the rise of rapid chess, the impact of platforms like chess.com, and how modern content creation is shaping chess globally. Tune in to learn about the rivalry, psychology, and dedication it takes to excel at the top level of chess—and how the sport is becoming more mainstream than ever.🎯 What You’ll Learn💥 The craziest cheating scandal in chess history — and how it was uncovered🥊 Why chess boxing could become the next viral sport🧠 How mindset, focus, and psychology separate good players from world champions🔍 The truth about AI and online cheating — 100,000+ accounts banned🌍 Why India is the new powerhouse of global chess🧩 How Magnus Carlsen became the GOAT — and what makes him unstoppable💬 The debate on trash talk in chess and how it could change the game📺 What chess pros really think of The Queen’s Gambit💸 How sponsorships and streaming are changing chess foreverCHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro00:40 - Playing Hours at Age 1601:30 - Aspiring to be a GM Early02:20 - Pressure in Chess Career03:10 - Peak Performance Age04:55 - Chess Mainstream Popularity05:40 - Your BBC Chess Show06:40 - Comparing Poker and Chess08:00 - Becoming a GM Today08:52 - Playing Chess Under Covers11:28 - Chess as a Career13:57 - Chess Commentary Insights14:57 - Future of Chess21:39 - Today's Sponsor22:30 - Cheating in Chess26:40 - Your Best Chess Win28:48 - Gukesh's Impact29:53 - Best Country for Chess31:20 - Trash Talking in Chess32:53 - Freestyle Chess Explained34:04 - Relocation to Norway35:29 - Magnus Carlsen's GOAT Status37:40 - Thoughts on The Queen's Gambit39:43 - Challenging FIDE40:50 - Competition in Industries42:50 - OutroAPPLY OR CONNECTApply to be on the podcast: https://www.digitalsocialhour.com/applicationBusiness inquiries / sponsors:jenna@digitalsocialhour.comGUEST:David Howell: https://www.instagram.com/davidhowellchess/SPONSORS: QUINCE: https://quince.com/dsLISTEN ONApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-social-hour/id1676846015Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Jn7LXarRlI8Hc0GtTn759Sean Kelly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmikekelly/Fuel your health with Viome - https://buy.viome.com/SEANUse Code: "Sean" at checkout for a discount.DISCLAIMERThe views and opinions expressed by guests on *Digital Social Hour* are solely those of the individuals appearing on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, **Sean Kelly**, or the *Digital Social Hour* team.While we encourage open and honest discussions, Sean Kelly is **not legally responsible** for any statements, claims, or opinions made by guests during the show.Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and to seek professional advice where appropriate. Content on this podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, financial, or professional advice.We strive to present accurate and reliable information; however, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or accuracy. The views expressed are solely those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent those of the producers or affiliates of this program.🔑 Keywordschess podcast, Magnus Carlsen, Hans Niemann, chess cheating, chess boxing, freestyle chess, British grandmaster, India chess, Queen’s Gambit, chess controversy, chess mindset, chess scandals #aiinchess #youthinchess #learningchess #chessmainstream #chessstrategies#onlinechess #aiinchess #chesstrends #chesssecrets #chesshistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .