Chess Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Board Material (Wood, Glass, and Plastic), By Age Group (Children, Adults, and Seniors), By Player Type (Casual Player and Competitive Player) and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global chess market size was valued at USD 3.34 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 3.70 billion in 2025 to USD 7.64 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.91% during the forecast period. North America dominated the chess market with a market share of 55.99% in 2024.

Chess, also recognized as the royal game, is a tabletop board game that is growing in popularity as a recreational activity and source of indoor entertainment. Tabletop board games improve brain function and self-confidence in individuals. The market has grown significantly, driven by increased tournament prize pools and an expanding number of board game enthusiasts.

The COVID-19 pandemic and popular shows, including The Queen’s Gambit, fueled a surge in users, boosting sales of the products. Influencer players and streamers have also contributed to market expansion. The competitive scenario remains strong, with increasing Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) events and corporate sponsorships.

• For instance, in September 2020, Goliath Games, a Netherlands-based games & toys company, witnessed a sales spike of 178%, which was most likely due to the pandemic and later, the company cited that sales were up by 1048% post the launch of Queen’s Gambit.

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• North America witnessed chess market growth from USD 1.67 Billion in 2023 to USD 1.87 Billion in 2024.

CHESS MARKET TRENDS

Rising Demand for Customized and Premium Sets and Emergence of Smart Boards

Consumers seek personalized and high-quality boards that serve both as game equipment and decorative items, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts. Product tables with contemporary, classic, and traditional designs are gaining traction as both leisure furniture and social activity centers in homes and commercial spaces. Moreover, physical board sets integrated with technology and AI, allowing automated piece movement and connectivity with digital platforms, are attracting tech-savvy players, blending physical and digital experiences.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Rising Interest in Strategic and Brain-Storming Games to Fuel Market Growth

Growing attractiveness and interest in mind sports and strategic games is fueling the growth of the market. As cognitive skills and mental agility gain recognition, board games are increasingly embraced for their educational and psychological benefits. Moreover, the rapid evolution of board game cafes gained popularity, as individuals can enjoy food, drinks, and an extensive collection of board games in these locations. These cafes provide a welcoming environment for both casual board game players and competitive enthusiasts to come together, socialize, and explore a wide variety of games, supplementing the chess market growth. Furthermore, the COVID-19 lockdown further accelerated this trend, bringing new audiences to the game. In addition, sponsorships, influencer-driven content, and e-sports-style competitions have also encouraged many individuals to take up the game, favoring market expansion.  

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Growing Competition from Digital Entertainment Alternatives to Hinder the Market Growth 

The rise of digital entertainment, including video games, streaming platforms, and social media, is suppressing the growth of the market by diverting potential players and viewers. With highly immersive and visually engaging alternatives, many people prefer fast-paced entertainment over the strategic depth of board games, which demands patience and concentration. E-sports, in particular, attract younger audiences with lucrative tournaments, sponsorships, and interactive content. Additionally, social media and short-form content reduce attention spans, making board games less appealing to casual players. As a result, the game struggles to retain a large, engaged audience, limiting its commercial appeal and market expansion.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Premium Quality Board Sets to Offer New Growth Opportunities

The global market holds high growth potential due to increased interest in board games, especially as a form of recreational and socializing activity. High-quality wooden and luxury board game sets are in huge demand among enthusiasts and collectors, while affordable, durable sets cater to beginners and school-goers, offering lucrative growth opportunities to board set manufacturers. Smartboard sets with AI integration are gaining traction by bridging physical and digital play. Custom and themed sets present niche opportunities to the market. Businesses can capitalize on sustainability, unique craftsmanship, innovative designs, and sustainable materials to appeal to a diverse and expanding consumer base.

Segmentation Analysis

By Board Material

Increasing Demand for Premium Quality Wooden Boards Favored the Segmental Expansion 

Based on board materials, the market is segmented into wood, glass, and plastic.

The wooden products segment accounted for the highest revenue share of the market in 2024 since they are extremely durable, premium, and aesthetically pleasing game boards among enthusiasts and professional players. Wooden sets, especially made using higher-quality woods such as mahogany, rosewood, and walnut, are highly preferred due to their longevity and craftsmanship. They are more often sought by the collector, further leading their market demand.

The plastic board material segment is poised to witness the highest growth over the forecast period owing to its affordability compared to its other counterparts. The ease of handling these products makes them ideal for beginners, school-goers, and clubs. Moreover, advancements in manufacturing technologies have enabled the production of superior-quality plastic boards that mimic the feel and look of wooden sets, widening their appeal.

The demand for glass product sets is also likely to grow considerably, particularly among collectors due to their unique aesthetic appeals and decorative value, making them popular as both stylish home décor pieces and functional game sets. Many consumers seek board sets that complement modern interiors, and glass sets offer a sleek, contemporary look that stands out compared to traditional wooden or plastic boards, thus leading segmental growth.

By Age Group

Increasing Participation among Adults Accelerates the Product Sales, Leading to the Segmental Growth

Based on age group, the market is segmented into children, adults, and seniors.

The adult segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2024 owing to the high interest shown by young adults in indoor sports. The growth of this segment is driven by cognitive benefits such as strategic thinking, improved memory, and problem-solving skills offered by the board game. Moreover, the increasing number of tournaments and rising penetration of board game cafes further contribute to the segment’s growth.

The children's segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032 due to the increasing recognition of board games as a valuable educational tool. Several schools are incorporating these games into their curriculum to improve children’s concentration and cognitive abilities and foster strategic thinking, which is likely to augment the segment growth in the market.

By Player Type

Expanding Base of Casual Players to Fuel the Segment’s Development

Based on player type, the market is segmented into casual players and competitive players.

The casual player segment accounted for the majority of the global chess market share owing to a significantly large consumer base and it continues to expand on account of digital platforms, online coaching, and AI-driven training tools. The rise of influencers, streamers, and social media content has made the game more popular, attracting new players who invest in memberships, courses, and merchandise.

While competitive players contribute to high-end equipment sales, the mass appeal of the game ensures that regular players lead overall market growth. The participation of competitive players in high-profile tournaments attracts significant social media coverage and public interest, which stimulates demand for board sets and other accessories.

Chess Market Regional Outlook

By geography, the market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America and the Middle East & Africa.

North America

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North America accounted for the highest market share and is forecasted to grow at the highest CAGR and maintain its dominance in the global market. This is majorly due to the presence of internationally prominent and well-established players, including Hasbro Inc., Mattel Inc., and Buffalo Games, consolidating the regional market growth. The rising number of board game conventions in the U.S. and Canada is fueling the adoption of the product among individuals, favoring market expansion. Additionally, the growing trend of social tabletop games, most notably amongst adults, has increased the product demand across North America.

The U.S. stood as a major contributor to the North American market as the country boasts numerous tournaments, clubs, and educational programs, fostering a thriving ecosystem. The popularity and penetration of online platforms further strengthen the game’s reach in the U.S.

Europe

Europe is the second-largest market, driven by the region’s rich cultural history and passion for the game. Countries such as Germany, Russia, U.K., and France are key contributors to the European market, hosting prestigious events and producing top-tier players. The market growth is reinforced by a growing number of casual and professional players, catering to diverse preferences as the region’s board gaming community thrives on a robust infrastructure, including academies and tournaments, enhancing engagement and accessibility.

Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific market stood at third rank and was poised to grow at the second fastest growth rate during the forecast period. The market is projected to experience significant propulsion in the future due to the rising popularity of the game, driven by the success of Indian players on the global platform. Moreover, the rise in disposable income and rapid urbanization in the region is also anticipated to contribute to the increased product demand, especially supplementing growing economies, including the India chess market.

South America and the Middle East & Africa

The market in the rest of the world region, including South America and the Middle East & Africa, is expected to observe considerable growth. While these markets are at a nascent stage, they still showcase increasing interest in board games. The region benefits from investments in regional tournaments and educational initiatives, with board games being promoted as a tool for strategic thinking and mental agility. Countries such as Brazil and Cuba demonstrate a growing and passionate player community, where the game is an essential cultural and recreational activity with an increasing number of players and local tournaments.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Continuous Development and Introduction of New Player Types by Key Companies Resulted in their Dominating Positions in the Market

The global market is considerably competitive, with several key players spanning international and domestic physical board manufacturers. Board set manufacturers, such as The House of Staunton and DGT compete in high-quality wooden and electronic product sets, where DGT stands out in physical boards integrated with digital feedback and guidance. These players are also innovating high-end handcrafted product sets and limited-edition boards that appeal to the collectors. To garner a broader audience, these brands offer thematic product sets (e.g., Harry Potter, Star Wars). 

LIST OF KEY GLOBAL CHESS MARKET COMPANIES PROFILED

• House of Staunton (U.S.)
• Jaques of London (U.K.)
• Indian Chess Company (India)
• DGT (Digital Game Technology) (Netherlands)
• MTM Wood (Russia)
• Staunton Castle (Canada)
• Millennium (Germany)
• Rechapados Ferrer (U.K.)
• Naef Spiele AG (Switzerland)
• Noj Slovenia (Slovenia)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• January 2025: Luxury whisky brand The Balvenie and British jewelry designer Ellie Mercer have collaborated to design an exclusive collector’s chessboard set, blending contemporary artistry and traditional techniques. Retailing at USD 1,784, the set is made available in a luxurious gift box alongside The Balvenie Twenty-Five—a coveted whisky from the Rare Marriages Collection, exclusively at Fortnum & Mason, from 4th February 2025.
• October 2024: The Indian Chess Company, based in Mohali, Punjab, introduced a new collection of luxurious boards and pieces that combine tradition, artistry, and sustainability. This newly launched collection is made from materials, including ebony, rosewood, brass, walnut, and bronze, chosen not just for their aesthetics but durability while reflecting a rich tradition of craftsmanship. The products mainly cater to both players and collectors who perceive the board game as a form of artistic and intellectual expression.
• July 2024: Magnus Carlsen, a boardgame grandmaster and co-founder of the Norwegian company Play Magnus Group, in collaboration with technology investor Jan Buettner and Left Lane Capital, raised funding of USD 12 million to introduce the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour. This new league emphasizes creativity by randomizing starting positions and incorporates features, such as heart rate monitors and confession booth-style interviews, to enhance viewer engagement.
• June 2023: GoChess, a brand offered by Particula and the Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, announced the launch of the fully robotic smart board with self-moving pieces and color-coded coaching lights. The brand has a complementary app that provides online connectivity and added resources to relish the game to the fullest.  
• June 2021: Tech Mahindra collaborated with the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to establish the Global Chess League. This innovative “phygital” league combines physical and digital elements, featuring franchise-owned teams with a mix of professionals and amateur players. The league aims to revolutionize board games by leveraging technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality to enhance fan engagement.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global chess market analysis provides market size & forecast by all the segments included in the report. It includes details on the market dynamics and global market trends expected to drive the market in the forecast period. It offers information on the prevalence of malocclusion in key regions/countries, key industry developments, new product launches, details on partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, and a number of manufacturers in key countries. The global market report covers a detailed competitive landscape with information on the market share and profiles of key players.

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Report Scope & Segmentation