Top 5 Athletes Who Played Chess

 

 

5. Lennox Lewis (Boxing)

Lennox Lewis, the former heavyweight boxing champion, is known for his strategic mind inside the ring, and chess is one of the ways he hones his thinking. He has a strong interest in the game and has been mentioned in discussions about athletes who play chess seriously. Chess, with its focus on planning, calculation, and anticipating opponents’ moves, mirrors the mental aspects of boxing that Lewis excelled at. (reddit.com)

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4. Eberechi Eze (Football/Soccer)

Eberechi Eze, the professional footballer, gained attention for his participation in an online celebrity chess tournament, PogChamps 6, which he won. He credits a teammate for introducing him to the game, and he enjoys the mental challenge it provides outside football. Chess helps him develop patience and tactical thinking, which also transfers to the pitch. (talksport.com)

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3. Wladimir Klitschko (Boxing)

Former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko has openly discussed his love of chess and how it influences his approach to boxing. He uses the game to improve his strategic thinking, planning several moves ahead and analyzing his opponents’ tendencies. Klitschko has said that chess taught him mental discipline and endurance, both crucial traits for maintaining focus in long boxing matches. (boxinginsider.com

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2. Boris Becker (Tennis)

Tennis legend Boris Becker has a strong interest in chess and once played an exhibition game against world champion Garry Kasparov. Becker has remarked that chess helps him think more clearly about strategy and planning, both on and off the tennis court. By approaching tennis like a game of chess, he could anticipate his opponents’ moves and adjust his tactics dynamically. (chessdom.com)

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1. Wilt Chamberlain (Basketball)

Wilt Chamberlain, considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, also had a deep appreciation for chess. He was known to play during his career and even invited legendary chess champion Bobby Fischer to play a game with him. Chamberlain believed that chess complemented his athletic career by sharpening his mind and teaching him patience and strategy, which translated onto the basketball court. (elca.org.uk)

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