Popular YouTuber GothamChess is pleading with fans attending the Speed Chess Championship to defy the event’s rules and bring copies of his banned book.
Chess fans were baffled earlier in January when they discovered that ‘How to Win at Chess’ by Levy Rozman, better known as GothamChess, was banned from a major event in London.
The Speed Chess Championship FAQ prohibited attendees from bringing GothamChess’s book, which is intended for beginners, to the event in either physical or digital form. The book was placed alongside items like noisemakers, weapons and illegal substances.
While some fans pondered if the ban was just a publicity stunt to promote Rozman’s next installment, ‘How to Win at Chess, Next Level,’ Chess.com doubled down on the ban, leading Gotham to strike back.
YouTuber GothamChess hits out after his book is “banned”
In a statement on X, Chess.com’s chief chess officer, Danny Rensch, commented that the ban would remain in place as news of the decision went viral.
“Due to an ongoing dispute, we are unable to comment on this further aside from reiterating that under no circumstances will anyone be permitted into the Speed Chess Championships with a copy of ‘How to Win at Chess’, whether hard copy or digital,” he said in a statement.
Despite the ban, GothamChess is urging players going to the event to stand in solidarity and go against the rules.
“Apparently they think this book is so broken, that people playing like Magnus and Hikaru would benefit from it,” he joked, seeing as the rules are for attendees and not people actually competing in the event.
The occasional “food blogger” further urged fans in London to bring their books regardless of the event’s bizarre rules.
“I plead with you, please bring your book. Let’s show solidarity and stand up to this nonsense together.”
At the time of writing, the event still has ‘How to Win at Chess’ listed under prohibited items, so we’ll have to see how many people stand with Gotham when the $250,000 event kicks off on February 7.
