After his starring role in the FA Cup semi-final with Crystal Palace, Eberechi Eze has secured another victory but this time not on the pitch. The 26-year-old England international won a chess tournament featuring twelve well-known content creators and athletes.
Eze only recently started playing chess after his former Crystal Palace teammate Michael Olise introduced him to the game but it didn’t take long for his passion to blossom into something remarkable.
"He and my brother were the ones who encouraged me to learn chess," Eze explained in a 2023 interview when asked about his new hobby. "That’s when I started studying the game and watching YouTube videos." What began as a way to unwind away from football quickly developed into a competitive pursuit.
Despite having only picked up chess relatively recently, Eze immersed himself in learning the intricacies of the game. He became fascinated not just by the tactics and strategy, but by the mental discipline and patience that chess demands qualities that mirror many of the attributes he brings to the football pitch. According to those close to him, Eze spent hours studying openings, analyzing grandmaster games, and even playing rapid games online to sharpen his instincts.
That growing commitment eventually led him to participate in a high-profile online chess tournament, featuring twelve well-known athletes and content creators. While many entered the event with more experience, Eze’s methodical preparation and competitive spirit set him apart. Match after match, he impressed viewers not only with his unexpected skill but also with his calm and composed demeanor under pressure traits that have become his hallmark both on and off the pitch.
His efforts were ultimately rewarded when he emerged victorious, claiming first place in the tournament and earning more than €17,000 in prize money from a total prize pool of over €115,000. The tournament was broadcast live and followed by thousands of fans worldwide, who were both surprised and entertained by Eze's journey from chess novice to champion.
Eze’s win has sparked conversations not only in football circles but also in the chess community, where he’s being hailed as a promising new ambassador for the game. His success story has already inspired many fans, especially younger ones, to pick up chess themselves proof of the sport’s growing appeal across different demographics and cultures.
Speaking after his win, Eze reflected on how chess has positively influenced his mindset as a professional athlete. "It teaches you how to think ahead, stay focused, and stay calm under pressure," he said. "In a way, it’s helped me with my decision-making on the pitch too. You start to see things in a different light not just reacting to the moment, but anticipating what’s coming."
The England international has hinted that this may not be his last appearance in a chess tournament, and he’s even expressed interest in organizing a charity chess event involving fellow footballers. His crossover success has shown that there’s room for athletes to explore other talents beyond their main profession and Eze, it seems, has only just begun his journey on the chessboard.
While fans eagerly await his next appearance on the football field, they might also be keeping an eye on his chess.com profile because Eberechi Eze is proving that brilliance can flourish in more than one arena.
