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chess com ceo


Chess.com, the world’s largest chess community, recently announced that it is on the hunt for a new CEO. Erik, the current CEO and co-founder, has been at the helm of the company for 17 years and has seen Chess.com grow from an idea to a thriving platform with over 125 million members. However, he recently announced that he will be stepping down later this year to focus on his personal goal of becoming a chess master.

Erik’s love for the game of chess is evident in his decision to step down as CEO and focus on his own chess-related pursuits. He revealed that he has been working in chess for over 20 years and has never had the mental space to pursue his dream of becoming a chess master. With a current online rating of 1800 and a USCF rating of 1665, Erik hopes to achieve a rating of 2200 and earn the title of master.

Interestingly, Erik cited Magnus Carlsen’s recent decision to abdicate his world chess championship title as an inspiration for his own decision to step down as CEO. He revealed that he resonated with Magnus’ mentality and had the chance to put himself in Magnus’ shoes in the past.

Chess.com has posted an open application for the CEO position, inviting anyone who might be interested in leading the world’s largest chess community to apply. However, applicants must meet specific criteria, including a minimum online chess rating of 1600, 10+ years of management experience in tech or gaming, and not having an MBA from Harvard.

Chess.com has come a long way since its founding in 2006, and it owes much of its success to Erik’s leadership. Under his guidance, Chess.com has become the number one chess platform with a massive user base. The platform offers a range of features, including puzzles, lessons, and tournaments, making it an ideal platform for players of all skill levels.

Erik’s decision to step down as CEO highlights the importance of pursuing one’s passions and personal goals. It also emphasizes the significance of the game of chess in Erik’s life, and his desire to achieve the title of master is a testament to his dedication and love for the game.

As Chess.com begins its search for a new CEO, it will undoubtedly be looking for someone with the same level of passion and commitment that Erik brought to the platform. The new CEO will have big shoes to fill, but with the right mindset and skillset, they could take Chess.com to even greater heights.

In conclusion, Erik’s announcement to step down as CEO of Chess.com has generated a lot of interest in the chess community. His decision to pursue his personal goal of becoming a chess master is an inspiration to many, and it underscores the significance of pursuing one’s passions. Chess.com’s open application for the CEO position presents a unique opportunity for someone with the right qualifications and mindset to lead the world’s largest chess community into the future.