Levy Rozman
He transformed chess from a quiet game into a global online spectacle, teaching millions with his energetic, accessible style.
Born 1995 (age 31)·American chess player and commentator·Birthday: December 5·Millennials
Biography
Levy Rozman didn't just play chess; he turned it into a digital language for a new generation. A chess International Master from Brooklyn, he saw the game's potential for entertainment during the 2020 pandemic boom, but his real genius was in translation. As GothamChess, he broke down complex Grandmaster strategies into digestible, often hilarious, YouTube videos and explosive Twitch streams, making the royal game feel less like homework and more like a thrilling sport. His commentary, filled with dramatic flair and recognizable catchphrases, became a gateway for countless newcomers. Beyond entertainment, his platform challenged the game's stodgy image, proving that deep analysis and mass appeal could coexist, fundamentally reshaping how chess is consumed and discussed online.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Levy was born in 1995, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Levy Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Levy's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2008Became a teenager
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Could drive
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2013Could vote
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Reached the title of International Master, a high-level competitive chess title awarded by FIDE.
- Built one of the largest chess-focused YouTube channels, amassing millions of subscribers with educational and entertainment content.
- Authored a bestselling book, 'How to Win at Chess,' distilling complex strategies for a broad audience.
- Provided official commentary for major chess events, including the 2021 World Chess Championship, bringing expert analysis to a mainstream viewership.
Did You Know?
He initially gained attention by creating humorous 'guess the Elo' series, where he analyzed games from online chess platforms.
He holds a degree in Political Science and Economics from the College of Staten Island.
Before full-time content creation, he worked as a chess teacher in New York City schools.
His online persona 'GothamChess' is a nod to his hometown of New York City, often called Gotham.
“The beauty of chess is it's a problem you get to solve with someone else.”
