One of the most recognizable figures in the chess world, YouTube phenomenon IM Levy Rozman, better known as GothamChess, continues teaching chess to millions—this time by turning to a highly surprising target audience: babies. With millions of subscribers helping him bring chess to the masses, Rozman is making headlines again two and a half years after the huge success of his first book, this time with his new work "Chess for Babies", aimed at readers who cannot yet walk, talk, or feed themselves. Released on March 3, the book has already achieved major success by climbing to number one in Amazon's Children's Board Game Books category.
Emphasizing that this unusual project is not a joke, Rozman made his seriousness clear in an interview with Chess.com's FM Mike Klein, saying, "This is not a joke, not a bit, and it's not a scam either." The book is designed to help little ones discover the building blocks of chess through colorful visuals and simple concepts. It is also specially made from chew-resistant and washable materials so babies do not damage it, offering a practical benefit for parents as well. Rozman's move shows that he has taken the philosophy that chess can reach people of every age to its furthest extreme.
With 7.2 million subscribers, GothamChess is the world's biggest chess YouTuber, and his influence on the chess world is undeniable. Last December, the 30-year-old Rozman set a world record by checkmating more than 225,000 players in the largest online chess game in history. His first book, published in 2023, "How to Win at Chess: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners and Beyond," was also a massive success, with more than 250,000 copies printed in 20 different languages, and it remained at the top of Amazon's bestselling chess books list. Following those achievements, this new milestone with "Chess for Babies" once again proves Rozman's vision for chess education and his innovative spirit.
Levy Rozman's latest step also brings renewed attention to chess's potential in early childhood development. Experts note that chess contributes to the development of skills such as problem-solving, concentration, and strategic thinking. A book like "Chess for Babies" could allow very young children to encounter these skills at an extremely early age, potentially laying the foundations for the chess masters of the future. In Rozman's own words, "It went far beyond my expectations. It's incredible. When I visit European countries, people bring me the book in their own language—it's crazy," a statement that signals both his global impact and the likelihood that his new book could enjoy similar success.