Wadim Rosenstein
WR Chess is built on a shared spirit of elevating chess to a higher level, using the game not only for competition but also as a social instrument to foster education, community, and personal growth. Under the leadership of Wadim Rosenstein, WR Chess has united a network of elite players, coaches, and enthusiasts, all driven by a common purpose: to expand the chess community, ignite passion for the game, and give emerging talents the opportunity to grow through competition and training.
Central to WR Chess's mission is the belief that chess teaches team spirit, fair play, and mutual respect. The company’s projects exemplify these values. Whether through international tournaments or youth training camps, WR Chess is committed to making chess a force for social good, driven by a unified spirit of collaboration and excellence.
On top of that, Wadim Rosenstein has convinced the World Chess Federation (FIDE) of his idea to start a team world championship where club players would compete side by side with super grandmasters. As the result of this initiative, the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championship came to life, one of the highest endowed chess competitions in the world with most of the chess elite taking part.
Sebastian Siebrecht
Sebastian Siebrecht has captivated more than 100,000 children with chess, and the number continues to grow. Through his ‘Fascination Chess’ program, the grandmaster has become Germany's foremost chess ambassador. Since 2012, Siebrecht has been touring shopping centers across Germany, spreading his enthusiasm for the royal game to people of all ages. In recognition of his efforts, the German Chess Federation awarded him its highest honor, the ‘German Chess Prize.’
A grandmaster since 2008, Siebrecht has made chess his profession—not as a player, but as an organizer, moderator, speaker, simultaneous exhibition player, and coach. The list of his chess-related activities is long. In 2023, Siebrecht was at the helm of organizing the inaugural WRChessSuper Tournament in Düsseldorf.
Anastasiya Karlovich
For nearly 20 years, Anastasiya Karlovich has served as a press chief for FIDE, covering numerous international tournaments. Her expertise and dedication led to her appointment as the press officer for the World Chess Championships in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016.
Karlovich began playing chess at the age of eight and earned the Woman Grandmaster title in 2003. Alongside her playing career, she launched a journalistic career, contributing to various platforms. In addition to her achievements in chess and journalism, Karlovich also holds a law degree. As an organizer at WR Chess, Karlovich brings her extensive knowledge and passion for the game, helping to create unforgettable chess events.
Anastasia Sorokina
In the chess world, Anastasia Sorokina is recognized for her multifaceted contributions as a player, arbiter, organizer, and official. Her chess journey began at a young age, inspired by her uncle.
WIM Sorokina boasts numerous achievements both on and off the board. She became an International Arbiter in 2002, a FIDE Trainer in 2005, and an International Organizer in 2018. That same year, she was elected as a FIDE Vice-President. Currently, she serves as the Chairwoman of the FIDE Commission for Women in Chess, where she has spearheaded important social projects. Anastasia Sorokina's extensive experience and passion for chess make her a valuable asset to WR Chess as an organizer.
Gregor Johann (†)
The WR Chess team mourns the loss of Gregor Johann. The 55-year-old international arbiter and organizer passed away in August 2024 as a result of a hiking accident. With Gregor Johann, German chess has lost one of its most dedicated, deserving, and highly respected contributors.
Gregor Johann served as the chief arbiter for our inaugural WRChessSupertournament in Düsseldorf in February 2023 as well es for the first FIDE Rapid Team World Championship, supported by his partner, Sandra Schmidt, who is also an international arbiter. Hands-on and highly competent, Gregor earned the respect of all participants. We miss him deeply.
Yasser Seirawan
Yasser Seirawan is one of the most renowned and appreciated chess commentators in the world. He has provided commentary for many of the biggest events and is known for his light-hearted, humorous, and highly instructive approach to explaining chess. Additionally, as a grandmaster and author, Seirawan draws from a seemingly endless reservoir of anecdotes. His storytelling ability is one of the reasons he is such a beloved figure in the chess community.
Seirawan often shares fascinating stories from his own experiences, encounters with other chess legends, and significant moments in the history of chess. As a former World Junior Chess Champion, four-time U.S. Chess Champion, and World Championship Candidate, he has made a significant impact on the history of the game.
Maurice Ashley
If you think a quiet game like chess can’t be commentated with the same energy as other sports, you don’t know Maurice Ashley. The grandmaster from Brooklyn describes his unique commentary style as “high-energy, unapologetic, and irreverent.” Ashley began his career as a commentator even before earning his grandmaster title, covering the 1993 World Championship match between Garry Kasparov and Nigel Short on television.
Born in Jamaica in 1966, Ashley initially worked as a chess coach and teacher in the New York area. In the late 1980s, he set himself the ambitious goal of becoming the first African-American grandmaster. In 1999, in his hometown of New York, Ashley achieved this milestone by securing his third and final norm at the Manhattan International.
Elisabeth Pähtz
For 20 years, Elisabeth Pähtz has been Germany’s leading female chess player and one of the most well-known professional players in the country. She has also made a significant impact on the international stage as a world-class player. Pähtz achieved remarkable success early in her career, becoming a Youth World Champion twice. Later, she broke into the world’s top 10 among women and was the first German woman to earn the Grandmaster title.
The eloquent native of Erfurt, now based in Berlin, works as a trainer and commentator alongside her own playing career. She is also one of the game’s top ambassadors in German-speaking countries. Pähtz has authored a highly acclaimed book about her life as a professional chess player and frequently appears as a guest on talk and entertainment shows on German television.
Boris Gelfand
World-class for almost three decades and nearly a World Champion, Israeli GM Boris Gelfand came very close to crowning his impressive career by challenging Viswanathan Anand in the 2012 World Championship match. After a closely contested battle, Gelfand lost in the rapid playoff games. Nevertheless, he has spent the majority of his career among the world’s elite, remaining in the top 30 from 1990 to 2017.
Born in 1968, Gelfand plays less frequently these days but is still capable of competing with the very best. At the 2019 World Rapid and Blitz Championship, he placed in the top 25 in both events, competing against nearly the entire world elite. Gelfand has since evolved into an acclaimed author and highly sought-after coach. Some of his books, including "Positional Decision Making in Chess", are already considered classics.
Lennart Ootes
Lennart Ootes is renowned for his exceptional work as a chess photographer and broadcaster. Since 2012, he has been actively involved in broadcasting chess tournaments and providing various services at many prestigious events. Ootes is especially recognized for his photography, capturing both top players and amateurs in action. His photos have graced numerous magazine covers and chess websites.
In addition to his photography, Ootes excels in operating DGT boards for live game transmission, managing live video broadcasts, and handling digital publishing. With a background in applied physics and experience in communications, he brings both technical expertise and creative flair to chess broadcasting.
Sagar Shah
Sagar Shah is an International Master with two Grandmaster norms. However, his impact on the chess community extends far beyond his achievements as a player. In 2015, he co-founded ChessBase India, which has since become the largest chess news portal in the country by far and one of the most recognized internationally. Through ChessBase India, Sagar has provided extensive coverage of chess events, insightful analysis, and engaging content that has captivated chess enthusiasts worldwide.
One of Sagar’s most significant contributions to the chess community is his work as a video creator. His YouTube channel, which boasts over a million subscribers, features live commentary, interviews with top players, and educational content that has made chess accessible and enjoyable for a broad audience. Sagar’s charismatic and approachable style has endeared him to fans, making him one of the most popular chess streamers globally. Sagar Shah’s contributions as a streaming partner elevates WR Chess, making it a hub for exciting, educational, and engaging chess content.
Wadim Rosenstein has assembled a team that reflects his vision: to bring together exceptional talent, elite players, and top coaches, while being connected to chess at the club level. In 2024, Magnus Carlsen, the best chess player of all time, has joined the WR Chess Team. The WR Chess Team has won two world championship titles: in 2023 at the FIDE Rapid Team World Championship in Düsseldorf, and in 2024 at the FIDE Blitz Team World Championship in Astana.
Düsseldorfer SK
Rosenstein has recruited several players for the team of his club, Düsseldorfer SK. In 2024, due to Rosenstein’s support, the Düsseldorf team was promoted to the Bundesliga, the strongest chess league in the world. Having a local team with elite grandmasters compete in the nation’s highest league, made headlines in and around Düsseldorf. For instance, World Champion Ding Liren is a member of the Düsseldorf club. Two-time World Championship finalist Ian Nepomniachtchi and Gukesh, World Championship Challenger 2024, have joined the DSK team - as has former World Champion Hou Yifan, the strongest female player of the world.
Initiatives and Engagements
Inviting children from all over the world to compete, train and share the joy of chess is a huge part of WR Chess since its beginning. There is a series of initiatives, ranging from fostering collaboration between WR Chess and the German Chess Youth to establishing the WR Chess Juniors, a training camp for future grandmasters.