Chess Grandmaster Ben Finegold challenges YouTuber GothamChess to a rapid match

During his stream, American Grandmaster Ben Finegold issued a challenge to YouTuber Levy ‘GothamChess’ Rozman, confidently claiming that he would “embarrass”the creator in a game of chess.

GothamChess has recently been sharing videos and content about his renewed determination to attain the GM title. After giving up on this goal several years ago, the creator returned to competitive over-the-board chess in early 2024.

The chess community is closely following the YouTuber’s participation in various events, as well as watching his and Hikaru Nakamura’s recaps of his matches.

During a broadcast on July 22, GothamChess was challenged to a match by none other than Ben Finegold, a renowned player who is also known for streaming and creating content.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veQ9Gy1rtMU

GM Ben Finegold Challenges Levy to a 10-min Match! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veQ9Gy1rtMU)

“I believe the match that everyone wants to see, with the exception of GothamChess, is one between myself and GothamChess, playing four games with a time limit of either 10 or 15 minutes. However, I doubt he would agree to this match because if I were to win every game, it would likely discourage him from pursuing his goal of becoming a GM, causing him to feel defeated and potentially leading to tears.”Finegold stated.

“I doubt there is any benefit for him. If GothamChess were to challenge me to a 10-minute or 15-minute match, he would only end up being embarrassed and exposed as a fraud. However, if he still wants to proceed, I have no objections.”

Finegold shared a video clip from his stream on his YouTube channel and inquired on social media if Nakamura would be interested in providing commentary for the match.

Finegold has a reputation for both online and in-person banter, so it is possible that the challenge is simply another example of him trash-talking another creator. Nonetheless, the idea of a face-off between the two American players has generated excitement among some chess enthusiasts.

According to one Reddit user, Levy would not be able to match Ben’s sharp wit and trash talk during the match.

One YouTube comment on the clip stated, “I would definitely watch that. It’s pure gold… Finegold, to be exact.”

Despite being challenged on social media, GothamChess has not yet responded.