In chess, away from eye-catching numbers lies world where GMs lose money playing, struggle to attract sponsors, and worry about making a living. 

While chess has gained popularity worldwide, with flashy tournaments and prize money for elite players like Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura, the reality for most professional chess players paints a much grimmer picture. Away from the glamour of top-level championships lies a challenging world where even grandmasters (GMs) struggle to make a living.

Chess does not have the corporate sponsorship and the massive fan-driven revenues that are characteristic of most other sports. Most GMs rely on the tournament winnings, which are far from guaranteed. Even a slight drop in form or an unfavourable pairing may mean going home with nothing. For players ranked outside the top 50 in the world, the annual earnings from tournaments are meagre and often barely cover travel and accommodation costs.

Sponsorship opportunities are sparse, particularly for players from regions where chess is not a mainstream sport. While platforms like Twitch have given some chess players a chance to build personal brands and monetize their skills through streaming, not everyone has the charisma or technical know-how to succeed in this space.

The costs of preparation are also too high. Top-class coaches, expensive chess engines, and long hours of practice require financial support, and players without such backing cannot continue playing.

For many GMs, teaching chess becomes a primary source of income. They conduct lessons or create online courses to supplement their earnings. This provides stability but also means diverting time and energy away from competitive play.

This is a stark reality that demands more structural support in chess. More sponsorships, distribution of prizes in tournaments, and grassroots development are some sources of finance which may ensure continuing viability for chess as a career for established talent around the world.

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