[Sports] The Athletic: Derrick Rose eager to shine light on Chess, NBA's secret obsession

[-CosmiNNe]

Derrick Rose, the former NBA MVP, has uncovered a long-held love for chess—a passion he kept private during his basketball career. Now retired at age 35, he deeply regrets not sharing his interest earlier, feeling that chess was viewed as "cultish" within the NBA bubble. Discovering fellow players like Drew Gooden loved the game too, Rose is now intent on amplifying its visibility within the basketball world. To bridge the gap between sports and chess, Rose teamed up with World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen to launch “Chesstival” in Las Vegas. This event combined fast-paced “Freestyle Chess” tournaments, entertainment, and NBA personalities such as Rajon Rondo, Grant Williams, and others. With innovative camera angles, live commentary, and strategy breakdowns, the festival aimed to make chess both accessible and thrilling for casual fans and the wider public. Freestyle Chess, spearheaded by Carlsen’s venture, draws inspiration from major sports broadcasts like Formula One. It introduces dynamic elements—blitz rounds, randomized starting positions, and multiple camera feeds—alongside dual commentary tracks tailored for both seasoned players and newcomers. This approach injects energy and excitement into traditional chess, making it more spectator-friendly without sacrificing its intellectual challenge. For Rose, it's more than a pastime—it's a mission. He believes chess can foster critical thinking and discipline, especially among youth in Black communities. As an investor and advocate for Freestyle Chess, he’s channeling his resources and influence into expanding opportunities for players and reshaping chess into a dynamic, inclusive, and intellectually engaging pursuit.

 

https://www.nba.com/news/the-athletic-derrick-rose-eager-to-shine-light-on-nbas-secret-obsession-chess