let alone super gms? some will downvote, call me all kinds of names and blame me for being someone i am not. but i want real and genuine answer/opinion regarding this, from people actually interested and involved in chess.
and no, it's not about them just not liking chess, i've played against more players from africa than from any other continent.
My theory is that it has to do with resources and accessibility. Some African countries and some black communities don't get the attention they deserve and don't get the chance to play on site like this. It can be explained with two words: systemic racism.
'I've played against more players from africa than from any other continent'
Your persona experience cant be used for propositions which is relevant not just for all people on planet, but all people on planet in all ages (due to cultural heritage).
I'm from brazil, we have just 14 GMs, and we question "why only 14 GM out of a population of 200 million". The answer is climate and culture and financial situation, probably a mix of those 3. Warm places contribute to outdoor entertainment / sport. Poor places tend to prioritize team sports where more people can participate at the same time. And finally, culture guides a person's ambitions to a greater degree.
I believe that black people also enter into these answers. Nowadays, with the internet and all this globalization, these factors tend to decrease the weight. Wait ...
Something like half the Grandmasters in this world are either eastern European, Chinese or Indian. This might give you an idea why. The chess seems to be much more popular in those areas of the world than other places. Whole of continent of Africa isn't historically well known to have very strong chess culture. This could be due to many many factors, but that's the reason why. Chess just isn't very popular there compared to other places.
Because maybe chess just isn't as popular in the black community. So if there's less black players than white players, or asian players or whatever race players then it stands to reason that there'd be less black grandmasters/masters/etc, right?
Personally i feel, it's looking at someone and relating with them. I am from India and prior to Vishy Anand. India didn't had any GM. But once he became GM and a *more importantly* World Champion in that. It made people believe that yes they can as well do that. And now we have 64 GMs. Similarly, among outdoor sports Cricket is the most popular sports. When it's not even our national sports. But when we won our first World Cup 1983. I think it inspired the next generation to take up the sports and get better. Which was followed by likes of Sachin Tendulkar who is respected as one of best batsman in cricket.
It gives hope and courage to next generation. And as more people try them, talented ones prosper and make it to the big stage.
I believe in Jamaica, most youngster wanna do track and field bcoz they witnessed the greatness of Usain Bolt, and believe they can be next. Not all of them end up in Jamaican team, but that would make the talented ones try that sports. And that's all you want.
TLDR: To have someone, who is admired worldwide whom you can relate to and inspire you.
@FlamoToolz "systemic racism" So much bullshit in those two words, especially with regards to this topic.
@FlamoToolz Dumbest comment I've seen on this site.
Richard Lynn has the answer.
I think e gaming and mobile gaming would shrink new generation chess player in the future
