How I Make A Living Playing Chess On Twitch

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CNBC Make It

CNBC Make It

3 жыл бұрын

Alexandra Botez, 25, is a professional Twitch streamer who makes six figures playing chess online. She and her sister Andrea Botez, 18, have over 650,000 followers and are signed with Team Envy, a global esports and entertainment company. 2020 was a big year for chess as the popular Netflix show ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ attracted millions of new users to chess.com.
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Making $100K+ A Year Playing Chess On Twitch

Пікірлер: 1 700
@di380
@di380 3 жыл бұрын
She is a Stanford graduate and a very smart and accomplished titled chess player. I wish Alexandra Botez the best on her career and online endeavors.
@alexis8936
@alexis8936 3 жыл бұрын
she is a noob
@littleretroship6403
@littleretroship6403 3 жыл бұрын
Eric Rosen has made me see the word Stanford to Stafford
@destroyidiots7191
@destroyidiots7191 3 жыл бұрын
Degrees do not matter in a game. Hikaru Nakamura who is literally the greatest blitz chess player to ever play the game went to Dickinson College so im not sure your point of mentioning a degree. Intelligence in chess is what matters in chess.
@alexis8936
@alexis8936 3 жыл бұрын
@@destroyidiots7191 mvl still above him
@flash012234
@flash012234 3 жыл бұрын
@@destroyidiots7191 Seems like your reading comprehension skills are a bit lacking. He mentioned that she was a Stanford graduate, which of course is no easy feat in the slightest, and an accomplished chess player. No where did they mention that having a Stanford degree is a prerequisite for becoming a chess champ. You are doing the opposite of what you username suggests.
@osamabindiesel3389
@osamabindiesel3389 3 жыл бұрын
I love how Andrea didn’t get more than 2 seconds of exposure, probably for being a loud pepega and just let Alex do this whole interview.
@irrelevance3859
@irrelevance3859 3 жыл бұрын
I think they it’s because Alex has a title
@masonpritchard3597
@masonpritchard3597 3 жыл бұрын
It's because Alex actually built the channel and worked hard for years while Andrea joined later on
@irrelevance3859
@irrelevance3859 3 жыл бұрын
@@masonpritchard3597 yeah and that. Alex does carry the channel
@josh_final
@josh_final 3 жыл бұрын
Only the OGs remember when they had separate channels
@donder91
@donder91 3 жыл бұрын
To be honest, I don't really like Andrea. She's so loud.
@samuelhardy5882
@samuelhardy5882 3 жыл бұрын
They say “$100k+” but towards the end she said she expects to be making “mid 6 figures by the end of 2021”.....so really we talk $500k XD that’s amazing
@loganc2380
@loganc2380 3 жыл бұрын
I'm pretty positive they make quite a bit more, especially since they signed with an org (team envy) which comes with sponsors and streaming bonuses most of the time Edit: quite a bit more than 100k
@o0laieta0o
@o0laieta0o 3 жыл бұрын
Between her and her sister tho (although I don't think is 50-50), and that's business revenue I believe.
@BrokeAgain
@BrokeAgain 3 жыл бұрын
looks prolly help her too
@iamdanyboy1
@iamdanyboy1 3 жыл бұрын
@@o0laieta0o No. I am fairly positive she makes 100k by herself. BotezLive currently has about 550 subs. That's 165k$ right there. And then there are her sponsorships, team envy signup etc. That should add up to about 250k$ easily. Assuming she has one of those firms that manage her channel or editor on her payroll, let's subtract 50k$ a year and boom. 200k$ yearly.
@qualitydyl7088
@qualitydyl7088 3 жыл бұрын
@@iamdanyboy1 do you mean 5500 subs?
@KaushikBala333
@KaushikBala333 3 жыл бұрын
She is more a business minded than an avg chess player. She is going to make it even bigger. God bless her
@D4n21
@D4n21 3 жыл бұрын
Dude she went to Stanford. Of course she's going to make it big haha
@kevinnathaniel9231
@kevinnathaniel9231 3 жыл бұрын
@@D4n21 holy shut fo real? What was she majoring at
@zmaxii1337
@zmaxii1337 3 жыл бұрын
@@kevinnathaniel9231 Not sure but I think International Realtionships with the focus on China.
@marcin8865
@marcin8865 3 жыл бұрын
Her personality is extremely rare for women. She is naturally smart and goal oriented, which is the most important in money-making careers.
@arnv4487
@arnv4487 3 жыл бұрын
@@marcin8865 I wouldn't say extremely rare. There are many smart and extremely-driven women.
@hervearseneau625
@hervearseneau625 2 жыл бұрын
I met Alexandra in 2004 in Kapuscasing Ontario, she played my daughter and won the national title, of course. I'm happy to know she is still doing well with chess.
@Knight_Jon_Artorias
@Knight_Jon_Artorias 2 жыл бұрын
Aww she couldn't have been older than 9. That's awesome! I'm glad that I found her and Andrea, my 15 year old cousin is really inspired by them because she just got in to chess. The botez sisters are both really pretty, so they serve as an example that women can be both great at chess and still be very pretty; that chess isn't a nerdy game! 😊 hope your daughter is doing well and still plays chess!
@seeksolace2059
@seeksolace2059 2 жыл бұрын
@@Knight_Jon_Artorias no offense but attractiveness and the ability to play chess do not coincide. You can be ugly or less attractive and be a poor chess player
@HortenseLapasse
@HortenseLapasse 2 жыл бұрын
@@seeksolace2059 yeah lmao what is that and also nerdiness has nothing to do with attractiveness ☠️ like good on them for being good-looking but we do not need to prove that "attractive women can play chess too" lol why would that be needed.
@CP-ir3ft
@CP-ir3ft 2 жыл бұрын
@@Knight_Jon_Artorias you can be attractive and nerdy
@CK-wv5hg
@CK-wv5hg 2 жыл бұрын
@@seeksolace2059 She didn't say it did. Just that it set an example for girls that may have preconceived notions about chess itself.
@RedRanchu
@RedRanchu 3 жыл бұрын
Be warned. By no means is making it to that income bracket easy. This is a full time job and i wager tons of people have tried this and failed.
@tyroneloki5131
@tyroneloki5131 3 жыл бұрын
well no sht sherlock ahaha
@soonsuicidal
@soonsuicidal 3 жыл бұрын
Yep thanks for putting it out there. Again hard work, patience and consistence. And probably, some luck too. Being an influencer or content creator isnt for everyone. The good thing tho is everyone is free to try.
@jamesblack993
@jamesblack993 3 жыл бұрын
They often "work" 60-80h a week, it's definitely exhausting, I know I wouldn't be able to do it at this intensity
@sophiaatn5339
@sophiaatn5339 3 жыл бұрын
@@tyroneloki5131 looool
@bebzon8941
@bebzon8941 3 жыл бұрын
@IpilotAnEVA It is easy but you need certain predispositions like pretty face etc.
@berkeslaw
@berkeslaw 3 жыл бұрын
I'm 65, playing chess for fun and mental exercise. I aspire to be one of those old men who play in the park on rickety wood chairs & tables.
@haakonhamer9122
@haakonhamer9122 3 жыл бұрын
me 2. but im only 30. so give me 40 years and ill join u at the park
@heyyou5483
@heyyou5483 3 жыл бұрын
@@haakonhamer9122 🤣
@Dimaz42
@Dimaz42 3 жыл бұрын
@@haakonhamer9122 by that time you’d be playing with his son 😂
@JLchevz
@JLchevz 3 жыл бұрын
yeah lol
@Crashandburn999
@Crashandburn999 2 жыл бұрын
@@Dimaz42 Grandson*
@MauriceBishopChess
@MauriceBishopChess 2 жыл бұрын
She used her passion to make money. Eventually it became a business she ultimately love. This is awesome! I'm proud of her.
@raygordonteacheschess5501
@raygordonteacheschess5501 2 жыл бұрын
She used her body to make money.
@zoeysiddiqi1532
@zoeysiddiqi1532 Жыл бұрын
@@raygordonteacheschess5501 not true
@vesta1000
@vesta1000 Жыл бұрын
@@raygordonteacheschess5501 construction workers do that all the time, why don't you go tell em that
@RisingInTheFlesh
@RisingInTheFlesh Жыл бұрын
@@raygordonteacheschess5501 yourself
@AquarianAngel
@AquarianAngel Жыл бұрын
@@raygordonteacheschess5501 🤡
@jongho.finance_made_easy
@jongho.finance_made_easy 3 жыл бұрын
I love the diverse ways of people making money these days. Pretty cool
@lubnan08
@lubnan08 3 жыл бұрын
Same its so cool
@MiguelY22
@MiguelY22 3 жыл бұрын
I hope to make some money too
@brittishcapelle6508
@brittishcapelle6508 3 жыл бұрын
Me as well ,I love it ❤..its not the average go to college and just get a 9-5 to earn an income
@tech_to_know
@tech_to_know 3 жыл бұрын
@@brittishcapelle6508 yeah i hate 9-5 or 12-9 jobs
@5thfloor584
@5thfloor584 3 жыл бұрын
These "diverse" revenue sources aren't as uncommon historically as you might think... After all, every single source of revenue was started somewhere, and most of the "common" ones you see today were invented or started in the mid-late 20th century. But yeah, I love when young people make money in unique ways (or entrepreneurial ways). Just juxtapose boomers & millennial's economic trajectory, boomers were so lucky it's unbelievable (if you want to be depressed research economic studies on this matter).
@jameswright5627
@jameswright5627 3 жыл бұрын
Alexandra's knowledge is astounding. She and Andrea really know their stuff.
@vicooo4271
@vicooo4271 3 жыл бұрын
xxxxxxxd
@jedinxf7
@jedinxf7 3 жыл бұрын
Andrea is cute but she isn't particularly good lol
@jameswright5627
@jameswright5627 3 жыл бұрын
@@jedinxf7 My friend, this story was about Andrea's sister Alexandra, both are cute and talented.
@jedinxf7
@jedinxf7 3 жыл бұрын
@@jameswright5627 you said "she and Andrea really know their stuff." one of them knows their stuff lol
@jameswright5627
@jameswright5627 3 жыл бұрын
@@jedinxf7 Meaning they are both good lol.
@ragnarkisten
@ragnarkisten Жыл бұрын
The reason I have watched so many of her streams is because of Andrea. The bickering between the two sisters is hilarious, and better than any sitcom you might find nowadays!
@isaiah1931
@isaiah1931 3 жыл бұрын
The Queens Gambit gave so much good exposure to chess. I wish I would’ve started when I was a lot younger but it is a fulfilling thing to do. I love how she tapped into a market that wasn’t big yet and built her own platform that’s not only good for her but for the game itself.
@emb5091
@emb5091 2 жыл бұрын
I've watched many of the chess streamers, both men and women, on Twitch and KZfaq, and I think Alexandra and her sister Andrea are VERY entertaining to watch. Not only are they very good players, they are very funny and have fun. It makes me happy to know they are making good money doing what they love.
@elishmuel1976
@elishmuel1976 Ай бұрын
I remember one video with them and Magnus, he's playing online, they're all wearing sunglasses and techno music is playing while Andrea's dancing. Epic.
@Ask-a-Rocket-Scientist
@Ask-a-Rocket-Scientist 3 жыл бұрын
“The Queens Gambit” was huge.
@IYPITWL
@IYPITWL 3 жыл бұрын
3:10 is such a cute sister moment. Alex: "Lets be fair." Both: "3 options."
@tsm7964
@tsm7964 3 жыл бұрын
Men like watching a beautiful woman doing anything, and women like watching women succeeding in male dominant arenas. So, it's a win-win for everyone.
@samushunter0048
@samushunter0048 3 жыл бұрын
Facts!
@elisabethholmes604
@elisabethholmes604 3 жыл бұрын
I just like watching good chess.
@aminat643
@aminat643 3 жыл бұрын
This is so cool! After watching The Queen’s Gambit I’ve been obsessed with learning more about chess!
@alexis8936
@alexis8936 3 жыл бұрын
be quiet
@aminat643
@aminat643 3 жыл бұрын
@@alexis8936 🤫🤫🤫
@ytsux9259
@ytsux9259 2 жыл бұрын
You won't get anywhere. You either got it naturally or you don't. If you don't, you can spend your whole life playing chess and still remain mediocre.
@captainobvious8037
@captainobvious8037 2 жыл бұрын
Why discourage strangers for no reason? 🤣
@giorgidiasmidze532
@giorgidiasmidze532 3 жыл бұрын
I can't wait for Graham Stephan to react to this
@sayedistrending
@sayedistrending 3 жыл бұрын
I was thinking the same thing. I really enjoyed his reaction video to the PewDiePie video too.
@aakashnaik1576
@aakashnaik1576 2 жыл бұрын
There is nothing for him to comment on. There is no breakdown of expenditure etc which is understood for person of her status.
@sayedistrending
@sayedistrending 3 жыл бұрын
They branch out as well. Many people think these sisters only play chess, but they do more than play chess. They will play Among Us, Chat with their Followers, talk about their ex-boyfriends, and even collaborate with Mr. Beast. Their content is really entertaining.
@thomasfriedl3137
@thomasfriedl3137 3 жыл бұрын
They collaborate with MrBeast? Not true but would be cool I guess
@PlatinumThief
@PlatinumThief 2 жыл бұрын
@@thomasfriedl3137 among us
@Freempg
@Freempg 2 жыл бұрын
Their learning to throw an ax was hilarious. Andrea hit a bulls eye and couldn't contain herself, jumping with joy all the while trash talking her older sister. The two are very competitive and very funny.
@boxingjerapah
@boxingjerapah 2 жыл бұрын
Love her story because it shows how redundant the whole "equity" argument is. She is ranked outside of the top 20,000 players in the world and yet she is doing fabulously well, because of who she is as an individual and how she personally has approached her career. She experienced problems at the start from all the "flirters" but instead of giving up or whining, she rolled up her sleeves and has created a success story.
@gabithemagyar
@gabithemagyar Жыл бұрын
The flirters must be annoying of course, but I think she has also come to terms with the fact that being attractive also helps to grow her audience numbers.
@gigachad7205
@gigachad7205 Жыл бұрын
She's successful because she's an attractive female in a male dominated sport. It's really that simple, she even said it herself
@YitroBenAvraham
@YitroBenAvraham Жыл бұрын
Actually, all she does is play chess in as little clothing as possible. If you watch her videos you’ll never, ever see her wearing sleeves…
@xyzct
@xyzct 2 жыл бұрын
Alex is awesome. She works hard at her streaming, she's entertaining to watch, plus she invented the Botez Gambit. She deserves every penny ... and to blunder her queen.
@TheBlackFemaleEngineer
@TheBlackFemaleEngineer 3 жыл бұрын
After watching Queens Gambit I was determined to start playing chess. After watching this I’m like geez I wish I had learned when I was little!
@felipebrunetta2106
@felipebrunetta2106 3 жыл бұрын
Trust me, regardless of you age, there are MUCH easier ways to make 100k+ a year then playing chess
@youneke
@youneke 3 жыл бұрын
I'll show you
@orlock20
@orlock20 3 жыл бұрын
Chess and competitive chess are two different things especially with computers dictating new tactics and the ability to use computers to find flaws in one's opponents. The Polgar sisters would play chess games in their minds against each other as preteens with Judit beating her first GM at 11 years-old and later becoming top 8 in the world.
@maxkho00
@maxkho00 3 жыл бұрын
@@adejareojo What's your elo now? And how many matches have you played in total?
@planetruths1373
@planetruths1373 2 жыл бұрын
Never too late to start. It all comes down to discipline, passion, and dedication.
@gabithemagyar
@gabithemagyar Жыл бұрын
I think that her success is because she found a way of making chess fun to watch for even casual players. She plays rapid chess (5 minutes allowed per player), keeps up an amusing rapid patter (trash talk) and makes sure she look attractive in all her videos (I'm sure that draws viewers as well). Very light-hearted approach to the game with an emphasis on the fact that it's a fun game. I used to play casually in my youth and she has inspired me to dig out my chess computer and books and give it a go again :-) Chess is for everyone !!
@felixelix2300
@felixelix2300 Жыл бұрын
Rapid is 10 mins
@Dai1lest
@Dai1lest 2 жыл бұрын
I love the Botez sisters, literally both smart and beautiful and just overall great people, very rare especially with the type of personalities the sisters have
@mr_coffee9917
@mr_coffee9917 2 жыл бұрын
Same ❤️
@CaseyBurnsInvesting
@CaseyBurnsInvesting 3 жыл бұрын
Time to start that OnlyPawns.
@Bosshog-WealthHealthBetterment
@Bosshog-WealthHealthBetterment 3 жыл бұрын
You have to watch-out for white knights and (drama) queens, no doubt.
@whochairs
@whochairs 3 жыл бұрын
Dude you're like the MVP of the comments on every video I watch lol
@byronjulienful
@byronjulienful 3 жыл бұрын
@@whochairs 0p
@JasonSmith-zp1gv
@JasonSmith-zp1gv 3 жыл бұрын
Don’t care how many likes it has its still an underrated comment
@Memphis_ritz
@Memphis_ritz 3 жыл бұрын
Lmfao that’s great
@LivingSwedish
@LivingSwedish 3 жыл бұрын
So unique! Love seeing this! ❤️
@CrystalKwashie
@CrystalKwashie 3 жыл бұрын
I love when millennials find “easy” or passion built ways to make great money.. the same way Boomers only needed a bachelor’s degree to make six figures 🌚
@OwolabbyAzeez
@OwolabbyAzeez 3 жыл бұрын
They not ready for that convo 😂😂😂
@asadb1990
@asadb1990 3 жыл бұрын
this is not accessible for the majority of millenials
@ye23.
@ye23. 3 жыл бұрын
NEED this for me!!!! I know its in the cards for me, I know it. I just need the right idea 🤔
@fjsioewiox
@fjsioewiox 3 жыл бұрын
@@asadb1990 exactly, even if you take this specific example, there are hundreds of talented chess streamers right now and barely 10 of them are successful at this level
@Southeastasiantraveler
@Southeastasiantraveler 3 жыл бұрын
That’s true, with a bachelor’s degree in the 70’s and 80’s I never earned less than $100k in jobs that were not that difficult, but were restricted to degree holders. Even then, myself and colleagues felt we were overpaid (but not at salary review time of course)
@dabd8175
@dabd8175 3 жыл бұрын
What a productive young lady very deserving
@yuukibii1439
@yuukibii1439 3 жыл бұрын
As a fellow romanian I can relate to my dad teaching me how to play when I was quite young. Good bonding opportunity
@Fabiable
@Fabiable 3 жыл бұрын
The Shade of how often they mention "shes not even in the top 20000" KEKW
@sylent8428
@sylent8428 3 жыл бұрын
It is a very very important point. It shows that you can’t just be successful by being good. And the money actually comes from other sources.
@xavierazad
@xavierazad 3 жыл бұрын
I mean it does make sense, like being an amazing chess content creator and being an amazing chess player are two very significantly different things. Like take a look at Hikaru Nakamura and Magnus Carlsen. Magnus Carlsen streams as well but his average views and subs are significantly lacking when put in front of Hikaru Nakamura purely because of how good Hikaru is as a content creator, despite not being the world champion yet.
@methe2960
@methe2960 3 жыл бұрын
@@xavierazad yet? :-)))
@vanillaghetto
@vanillaghetto 3 жыл бұрын
@@sylent8428 Actually, it shows that you can be successful, despite not being "good".
@sylent8428
@sylent8428 3 жыл бұрын
@@vanillaghetto well it depends on what you are referring to. You are right that the fact of their success shows that you can be successful shows that you can be susccessful despite not being good. But the op comment was mentioning the shade. The shade(if it exists) with which some other top players referenced the endeavour shows you can’t just be successful by being good. My statement in no way contradicts yours.
@GoodkindASMR
@GoodkindASMR 3 жыл бұрын
What a wonderful video!! Alexandra is inspirational! I remember when she was the president of the Stanford University Chess Club. Since chess is male dominated game, I'm glad that she is a popular Twitch streamer. I'm doing my part to inspire more women and girls to play chess too! I wrote two chess books, available on Amazon.
@oldmedstudent1750
@oldmedstudent1750 3 жыл бұрын
Right okay. Yifan Hou is ranked #81 for a reason.
@TTM9691
@TTM9691 2 жыл бұрын
I just subscribed to your channel, thanks Lauren. :)
@striveknight4782
@striveknight4782 3 жыл бұрын
I doubt the 100k, she probably gets around 250-400k at least, especially she's in a Team.
@soundninja99
@soundninja99 3 жыл бұрын
Remember that she shares the twitch channel with her sister and that the deals are smaller/fewer in the chess world compared to the rest of twitch. But I'd agree it's probably over 100k
@marcin8865
@marcin8865 3 жыл бұрын
100k max, chess is booming not so long time ago. In fact that is mainly streaming for them now.
@ellershellersh
@ellershellersh 3 жыл бұрын
@@marcin8865 no way. dont look at it from a chess prespective. They average around 10k viewers. any channel that big is bringing in 500 to 1 mil.
@bebzon8941
@bebzon8941 3 жыл бұрын
@@rxn296 3$ per sub. 13500$*12=162k just from subs. Donations, contracts, ads easily 400-500k.
@bobon123
@bobon123 3 жыл бұрын
My guess is that she is getting close to half a mil _as a firm_ , that could likely mean 250k for both sisters (no idea about their respective shares). There are costs, mostly people helping that you have to pay (and pay taxes and social security for them), but also minor business expenses like investing in pricey recording material, advertisement, cash tournaments, etc etc.
@YannCogan
@YannCogan 2 жыл бұрын
Very simply, AB makes chess fun, which is great. Chess at a certain level is very much about hard work and thinking rigourously, but it's a game, with a lot of emotions, and beauty. Alexandra just shows one can have a good level at chess and be very cool !
@evie2878
@evie2878 3 жыл бұрын
Everyone’s ignoring the fact that she graduated from Stanford!!❤️
@kevinnathaniel9231
@kevinnathaniel9231 3 жыл бұрын
What was she majoring at yoo
@yeetusdeletus7040
@yeetusdeletus7040 3 жыл бұрын
@@kevinnathaniel9231 international relations with a focus on China
@merijn2596
@merijn2596 3 жыл бұрын
because that doens't matter in this story
@pabis6817
@pabis6817 3 жыл бұрын
She dropped out
@vicooo4271
@vicooo4271 3 жыл бұрын
who cares?
@highdesertbiker
@highdesertbiker 2 жыл бұрын
Really well done , very honest and well edited
@tomlatenite8348
@tomlatenite8348 2 жыл бұрын
Stunning personality! Thanks for all of your hard work!! And your sis too.
@toriless
@toriless 2 жыл бұрын
I need to invent a volume control for Andrea
@namastemcl
@namastemcl 3 жыл бұрын
I was always grateful to my Dad who taught me to play chess when I was a young girl. He saw no limitations in girls playing the game.
@toriless
@toriless 2 жыл бұрын
I have no idea if my parents even know how to play
@morkovija
@morkovija 3 жыл бұрын
7:40 that monopod holder setup using luggage case is GM-title worthy right there.
@jayanths1221
@jayanths1221 3 жыл бұрын
0:29 - Damn, Alex looks just like young Andrea in that picture. I almost thought the editor got their names mixed up for a second...
@andherium
@andherium 2 жыл бұрын
Ya it's the lips
@brettom-o-hawks6856
@brettom-o-hawks6856 2 жыл бұрын
yup, they're sisters. No doubt about
@karankhetwani3470
@karankhetwani3470 3 жыл бұрын
Yay Alex! Excellent to see her here!
@briteness
@briteness 2 жыл бұрын
I just started watching chess streams on twitch this year. I was surprised by how popular they are, but I see here that that is a fairly recent phenomenon. It seems like chess is more prominent in popular culture (in the US, anyway) than it has been at any point since the early 1970s, and the twitch streamers like the Botez sisters are a significant part of that.
@toriless
@toriless 2 жыл бұрын
Even Blitz chess is relatively new compared to timed chess
@u140550
@u140550 3 жыл бұрын
Yes!!!! I love her channel, and how good she is. She’s very smart and pretty, and she plays so good.
@teachercharlestv
@teachercharlestv 3 жыл бұрын
Respect. You’re a motivated person! Love you channel.
@santiglot
@santiglot 3 жыл бұрын
- Alex: "It was only a couple hundred viewers for the first 2 years" - Me: As if that's a low number O.o For real I admire her, great chess player and business woman
@oldmedstudent1750
@oldmedstudent1750 3 жыл бұрын
she's an average chess player with looks, that's it. Just like Pokimane.
@pahoellyyy
@pahoellyyy 2 жыл бұрын
@@oldmedstudent1750 Pokimane is below average
@markmalnay7243
@markmalnay7243 2 жыл бұрын
@@oldmedstudent1750 She’s literally a FIDE master how is that average? And poki is quite good for someone who’s never really been into chess until pogchamps came around
@oldmedstudent1750
@oldmedstudent1750 2 жыл бұрын
@@markmalnay7243 she's nothing special.
@davidjames3126
@davidjames3126 2 жыл бұрын
I wish young ladies the best. Your videos are not just entertaining to one segment of the chess community..Being a novice I love how you both serious but you also have fun with it. I think that is the biggest attraction. I check in just to see what venue you explore and haven't been disappointed. Good luck an God Bless
@Tech.Unicorn
@Tech.Unicorn 3 жыл бұрын
Ayyy, as soon as she said she's Romanian, this all made sense :P You go girl
@pamelahermano9298
@pamelahermano9298 2 жыл бұрын
Glad to see her attracting newbies to chsss. I wish her all the best
@simplyhuman7417
@simplyhuman7417 3 жыл бұрын
Inspiring! 👍One day I hope to make it somewhere in life.
@Aoudhubillahi
@Aoudhubillahi 3 жыл бұрын
This is just really a phenomenal story. Thank you CNBC Make It for this one and many others.
@brettpoole7888
@brettpoole7888 3 жыл бұрын
Botez Gambit...the only Gambit that wins you the game when accepted.
@ExistenceUniversity
@ExistenceUniversity 3 жыл бұрын
Or just losing your queen, but whatever you wish to believe lol
@brettpoole7888
@brettpoole7888 3 жыл бұрын
@@ExistenceUniversity The one accepting the Gambit is the one who takes the queen.
@ExistenceUniversity
@ExistenceUniversity 3 жыл бұрын
@@brettpoole7888 Oh I read you. Yep sorry. My bad. You right
@brettpoole7888
@brettpoole7888 3 жыл бұрын
@@ExistenceUniversity It's all good.
@ExistenceUniversity
@ExistenceUniversity 3 жыл бұрын
@@brettpoole7888 What's your favorite opening?
@TillSwims
@TillSwims 2 жыл бұрын
Congrats on the success . Kudos
@viteksyrovatka
@viteksyrovatka 3 жыл бұрын
''you have to be an educated player" *Laughs in xQc
@albericponcedeleon2696
@albericponcedeleon2696 3 жыл бұрын
"Thanks for the fat 10 gift subs Pikachu"
@vidco2467
@vidco2467 3 жыл бұрын
@@albericponcedeleon2696 T H R O B B I N G
@spaceshipbutterfly
@spaceshipbutterfly 3 жыл бұрын
@@bsca1956 old you said the thing 😂😂😂🤣🤣 POGGERS
@sigmapsychic
@sigmapsychic 3 жыл бұрын
Summary 25 years old professional chess stream that makes 6 figures a year Being a chess player and making a living is not different from a struggling artiste at the beginning Chess is not a game only for nerds Romania has a rich chess cultural heritage She won her first national tournament at 8yrs There is a place for women in the game of chess. Don't let the only male stereotype scare you Growing on twitch is slow like in any other platform The 6 figure income she makes comes from difference income streams all relating to twitching It is bit hard to be female streamer but it comes with a lot of benefits if you don't give up
@pahoellyyy
@pahoellyyy 3 жыл бұрын
Non-chess players need to understand that her fame comes from 99% of her looks only. Her chess skills are insignificant. There are way better female chess players than her who don't have 1/100 of her fame all because they are not attractive as her. Also she feeds off of the fame of other popular chess streamers that are actually good (GM and IM level) like Hikaru, Chessbrah, and GothamChess. If Botez were to stream to only people in the chess playing world, then she wouldn't receive 1/100th of her fame - 10k subs at best. Her target audience isn't chess players however, so she doesn't have to worry about that.
@vickikendricks
@vickikendricks 3 жыл бұрын
I've always wanted to learn how to play chess. Thanks 😊
@timswartz4520
@timswartz4520 3 жыл бұрын
I have been drinking but I think this is your best video so far. Wake me up when it tops 1 Million.
@5ilvergun
@5ilvergun 2 жыл бұрын
Ba, ma bucur. Chiar ma bucur! Si ma simt mandru sa vad si alt gen de romani mediatizati! Jos palaria!
@jordanleopold93
@jordanleopold93 3 жыл бұрын
There should be a "Botez Gambit" comedy spinoff. IYKYK
@RocMerc
@RocMerc 2 жыл бұрын
Her and her sister found a great way to make money and are super enjoyable to watch. I’m happy for her success
@KeepRecordsTV
@KeepRecordsTV 2 жыл бұрын
This is truly inspiring. Thank you for this!
@msf8297
@msf8297 3 жыл бұрын
rooting for you!!!!
@CaseyBurnsInvesting
@CaseyBurnsInvesting 3 жыл бұрын
Once I can make 100k eating crunchy foods on Twitch I’ll know I’ve arrived.
@its_hopemarie
@its_hopemarie 3 жыл бұрын
😂😂😂
@heyvincee
@heyvincee 3 жыл бұрын
That's a tik tok following all day 😂😋
@TennisBarbie119
@TennisBarbie119 3 жыл бұрын
ASMR🤫
@MzCrayKray
@MzCrayKray 3 жыл бұрын
Check out Crunch Asmr. She has amassed over a million follower in the 3 or 4 years that she started and she has remained anonymous.
@enricopallazzo3244
@enricopallazzo3244 3 жыл бұрын
Pop that shirt off and you got yourself your first sub!
@phuckit1902
@phuckit1902 3 жыл бұрын
Congrats. I remember when you didn't have that many followers, I thought you were fun and skilled. Glad to see the sisters make it.
@accio_biryani
@accio_biryani 3 жыл бұрын
WOW! this was quite a surprise to Botez here, Small world.
@Royalchess1
@Royalchess1 3 ай бұрын
THANK YOU ALEX for this video, this answers alot of questions.
@jkay07
@jkay07 3 жыл бұрын
Man you know CNBC held this episode until the right time to spring it. Fide Master is no joke. The streaming of Chess actually has viability because almost all REAL players are more interested in the game and not the hot girl. Real players will even pay for some game records to study.
@Damage_Inc
@Damage_Inc 3 жыл бұрын
Not sure if I completely agree. The Botez sisters came up on the scene due to the recent popularity of chess on Twitch and Alex has explicitly said a lot of their success isn't just chess - it's the ability to be a great streamer, be entertaining, do other variety outside of chess, and yes, also because she is good looking. It's the confluence of all of these things that make the Botez sisters successful. There are plenty of fide masters or GMs on Twitch and none of them have this level of popularity so I'd actually argue it's perhaps less about the chess and more about the fact that they're awesome and entertaining streamers.
@jkay07
@jkay07 3 жыл бұрын
@@Damage_Inc hmm I see. I don't know much about streaming. I just figured the kind of people who would watch blitz or have enough time to watch a game when there are more flashy things available would be not be casual chess players. Maybe I have the viewership pinned wrong.
@irrelevance3859
@irrelevance3859 3 жыл бұрын
@@Damage_Inc I agree. That’s a reason why Hikaru is so popular too, not only is he a Grandmaster but his personality definitely makes the game more excising. You can stream anything on twitch if you have the personality to make whatever your doing fun and exciting. That’s what makes people stay and watch.
@ParisDorn159
@ParisDorn159 3 жыл бұрын
She's not a FIDE master, in fact she's much weaker than one.
@pahoellyyy
@pahoellyyy 3 жыл бұрын
@@ParisDorn159 WFM is different from FM. I wish non-chess players will understand this one day. The requirements are completely on another level.
@vee9043
@vee9043 3 жыл бұрын
How is it that men can play on all their strengths (height, looks, intellect, family background, personality) and succeed with every tool in their arsenal and it's not an issue but if a woman does the same it's unfair? She is both intelligent, skilled and attractive. Get over it.
@irrelevance3859
@irrelevance3859 3 жыл бұрын
I agree. No one tries to dismiss success to appearance with the other more popular male chess steamers. They only do it with the women
@symbolitical4158
@symbolitical4158 3 жыл бұрын
Men do those things? Yeah this is why unfortunately there'll always be this dumb stereotype between both genders on both sides if you keep thinking life is like this. Jesus.
@bebzon8941
@bebzon8941 3 жыл бұрын
If Alexanda was a 25yo bald man her (or his xD) audience would be 10 people. There are much better and funnier men's channels that don't have 20% of hers recognition.
@linkingwithnaz1295
@linkingwithnaz1295 2 жыл бұрын
Well for one they're not even top players, not even close.
@Daubi1990
@Daubi1990 2 жыл бұрын
@@bebzon8941 How many of those channels do you watch? You seem to know your stuff
@vekpavlovic5892
@vekpavlovic5892 3 жыл бұрын
From a serbian part time chess player, go u Romanian beauty not because of ur looks but of ur game play. Keep it up promoting this great game
@FinancialShinanigan
@FinancialShinanigan 3 жыл бұрын
Collect your "The Queen's Gambit" ticket here
@xShibux
@xShibux 3 жыл бұрын
She is so smart and talented. Her parents must be really proud of her. Im glad to see, that twitch has to offer more than just cheap Hot tub and casino streams.
@Freempg
@Freempg 2 жыл бұрын
Her little sister is the happiest person in the world. Rarely isn't she smiling.
@JacksonPriceSonder
@JacksonPriceSonder 3 жыл бұрын
Graham pleaseee, chess and finance... LOVE IT
@bertbalderas6714
@bertbalderas6714 2 жыл бұрын
I have been following your channel for a the past few month. I have a 11 yr old granddaughter who I have encouraged to learn chess. She is intelligent and loves to play me and trap me in certain moves. How or where do I go to hone her skills at this age? I am also researching locally for any chess clubs to get her started.
@ToddBaldwin
@ToddBaldwin 3 жыл бұрын
I LOVE chess! Way to go!!
@lubnan08
@lubnan08 3 жыл бұрын
I love this! She is inspirational.
@LearningwithLani
@LearningwithLani 3 жыл бұрын
Love that her hobby and passion became your source of income💕It’s inspiring to see women representing in fields dominated by men 👏🏼 Wishing her all the best and more success!! 🙌🏼
@MillaExplores
@MillaExplores 3 жыл бұрын
Amazing indeed!
@nancydavis5857
@nancydavis5857 3 жыл бұрын
Queens Gambit! Love this
@AudiobookLibrary24-7
@AudiobookLibrary24-7 3 жыл бұрын
Way to go, Alexandra. Well done!
@CribNotes
@CribNotes 2 жыл бұрын
Aleandria's hyperactive little sister, Andrea, is a big part of Alexandria's streaming success. She's the perfect comical relief side-kick for Alexandria.
@toriless
@toriless 2 жыл бұрын
Yes, she is definitely the goofier one, Alex's best joke are ones that are responses, she is horrible at writing jokes.
@NeneKennedy
@NeneKennedy 3 жыл бұрын
What I learn every time a content creator succeeds is that consistency is key! Keep at it, y'all. ✨
@oldmedstudent1750
@oldmedstudent1750 3 жыл бұрын
Well, you need good looks like she has.
@YitroBenAvraham
@YitroBenAvraham Жыл бұрын
If you’re a woman, all you have to do is display whatever talent you have while wearing as little clothing as possible, like her.
@itenee
@itenee 3 жыл бұрын
Wow, thanks for sharing your story!
@lolamaven3971
@lolamaven3971 3 жыл бұрын
You go girl!!
@Elboy522
@Elboy522 3 жыл бұрын
are people really surprised that it LITERALLY pays to be hot
@test5093
@test5093 3 жыл бұрын
It's a kind of taboo to point it out in official media. But yeah, being hot means everything you do is interesting to people.
@Elboy522
@Elboy522 3 жыл бұрын
@@test5093 is PROFITABLE
@FBR2169
@FBR2169 3 жыл бұрын
It helps attract people but those who came only for the looks usually dont stay very long.
@vasilicaparteni1562
@vasilicaparteni1562 3 жыл бұрын
Exactly. She isn't the first, wouldn't be the last.
@alphamoneymindset1270
@alphamoneymindset1270 3 жыл бұрын
Love how diverse her income is.
@Raghuveer2798
@Raghuveer2798 3 жыл бұрын
Amazing lady, respect to her.
@petertarantelli
@petertarantelli 2 жыл бұрын
Excellent story and well-made video!
@jugglingwithjohn
@jugglingwithjohn 3 жыл бұрын
Great story of following your passion and building success! I would like to hear more of the money details. Only 20-30% comes from viewers. Where, specifically, does the rest originate?
@papayahzz
@papayahzz 3 жыл бұрын
These girls have huge viewership and get a lot of big names on their stream so its no surprise companies would want to sponsor their streams
@willfaber5260
@willfaber5260 3 жыл бұрын
A few years back another big streamer named Disguisedtoast made a video called “How much money do Twitch streamers really make” the information is slightly outdated because of how much twitch has grown but it should give you a pretty good idea of how monetization on twitch works
@davidasdxd
@davidasdxd 3 жыл бұрын
Ad revenue and sponsorships mostly
@bebzon8941
@bebzon8941 3 жыл бұрын
She makes 150k just from subs. If we count donations and other stuff that would mean she make millions actually (if it's really just 20-30%)
@davidasdxd
@davidasdxd 3 жыл бұрын
​@@bebzon8941 150k from subs would be around 60k subs = $5 per sub =$300k gross. Twitch takes around 50% which results in 150k for her. But she doesn't have 60k subs, not yet. As of today 17/03, only xQc, Nickmercs and Ludwig have from 50k to 60k subs, and RanbooLive has over 100k subs. Some others have 30k or less. But Botez is not yer on this list yet. Good for her for making chess mainstream tho. She will be huge.
@fabiotrucco7969
@fabiotrucco7969 3 жыл бұрын
Sorry, Alexandra is a professional chess STREAMER- not a professional chess player. And she should be confident in admitting so
@raniadahayu1412
@raniadahayu1412 3 жыл бұрын
she did say chess streamer
@oldmedstudent1750
@oldmedstudent1750 3 жыл бұрын
This is exactly it. She is average at playing chess. People watch her like they watch Pokimane, for content, not for skills.
@ta_93
@ta_93 2 жыл бұрын
@@oldmedstudent1750 you need to realise that chess is a boring af dull a$$ n3rd fest full of sweaty old men and these girls are young, bright full of personality and energy and bring a different feel to chess that's appealing people to the otherwise sh1tty board game
@bbkintanar
@bbkintanar 3 жыл бұрын
She's so awesome! As other comments have been saying, it's so inspiring to see women killing it in the chess industry dominated by men :)
@dustinsnodgress8026
@dustinsnodgress8026 2 жыл бұрын
Through watching you, Gothamchess, and Hikaru, i have been inspired. But it was your videos that brought me in to the scene.
@adriancarballoza6149
@adriancarballoza6149 3 жыл бұрын
I learned how the chest pieces move a while ago, 12 years probably, but I always saw chest as the really hard game that only super smart people could enjoy
@vasilicaparteni1562
@vasilicaparteni1562 3 жыл бұрын
I couldn't agree more. Many followers are after her chest pieces.😁😁😂
@DrJohnPollard
@DrJohnPollard 2 жыл бұрын
I'd like to see her play Phiona Mutesi, The Queen of Katwe. That would earn some good money on pay per view. I think they are around the same age.
@msnicadr
@msnicadr 3 жыл бұрын
Wow she’s here!! 👏🏼👏🏼
@erickrodriguez4107
@erickrodriguez4107 Жыл бұрын
This is the American Dream. Passion into Profit. She didn't protest or rant or hate to prove women can do it. She showed us and inspired! 👏 👏 👏
@tarzan12345
@tarzan12345 3 жыл бұрын
@0:37: you've got a Stanford graduate there, no less.
@harrydecker8731
@harrydecker8731 3 жыл бұрын
Very enterprising! As a former tournament chess player, I would also like to see Alexandra improve her skills and compete over the board.
@alankardecrodriguesdemelo2497
@alankardecrodriguesdemelo2497 2 жыл бұрын
Adoro jogar xadrez, curto muito assistir seus vídeos, parabéns.
@ob1983
@ob1983 2 жыл бұрын
Extremely interesting video, I have always wondered how it all works. Thanks :)
@andreinitescu1768
@andreinitescu1768 3 жыл бұрын
Bravo Alexandra ! Români pe aici? dați like
@vasilicaparteni1562
@vasilicaparteni1562 3 жыл бұрын
Cui sa dam? Tie sau CNBC?
@diophantine6677
@diophantine6677 3 жыл бұрын
Emil Sutovsky: "It is a fairy tale and doesn't happen in real life" 8 year old Nigerian refugee wins New York state championship. Watch out for Tani!
@stingaling
@stingaling 2 жыл бұрын
Good for you! Keep it up :-)
@mikeymouse4629
@mikeymouse4629 Жыл бұрын
Hello. I have a question: you state that you live in Austin, Texas, but the 'registration'(?) card that is displayed at ~ 1:03 min. states that you are registered with the 'Canadian' Federation (?), and the flag displayed is of course the Canadian flag. So my question is: are there advantages to being registered in the Canadian Federation as opposed to your home US Federation? Are there 'tax' advantages? Are the tournaments easier? Is there a 'currency conversion' advantage ($CDN vs $USD) ? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
@Finnec123
@Finnec123 Жыл бұрын
They're Canadians.
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