A simple way to make money and crypto by playing chess games, online

By I_g_o_r | Simple solutions to complex problems | 27 Apr 2026

In this post, we consider some opportunities to earn money and crypto by playing chess games, online.

There are several platforms, which allow you to play chess online for money/crypto, typically through real-money wagers, tournaments, or Skillz-powered apps. Prominent options include Real Money Chess Prizes Skillz, World Chess (FIDE Online Arena), and Chess.com tournaments. Users can also utilize specialized apps for wagering against others, though high competition and engine usage can make earning difficult.

Top Websites & Apps to Play Chess for Money

Real Money Chess (Skillz): A popular platform where you can compete in chess games for cash prizes. https://games.skillz.com/mobile/games/real-money-chess-prizes-skillz-20383
World Chess: The official FIDE online gaming platform, which offers tournaments and, at times, opportunities to win prizes. https://worldchess.com/
Chess.com: While primarily for competitive play, high-level tournaments with cash prizes are offered. https://www.chess.com/clubs/about/tournaments-cash-prizes
Chess2Play: A platform for competitive chess that allows for real money play, according to some reports. https://www.chess2play.com/
Outpost Chess: A community-focused platform offering 1vs1 matches for cash prizes with a focus on competitive, fair play. https://outpostchess.com/1vs1
Big Time Chess: An Android app where you collect tickets by playing to enter cash draws, rather than direct cash wagers https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.winrgames.chess
Chess Payday: An App Store game focusing on head-to-head tournaments for real money, offering bonuses for fast moves and wins. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/chess-payday-win-real-money/id1609406107

For more info, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DykkjvkmAG0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvcGdbiDYjc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyFSq1JYMF0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3dNU4g5CDM

Top Websites and Apps to Earn Crypto Playing Chess

Bitcoin Chess (by Viker): This is a mobile app (available on Google Play) developed in partnership with Zebedee that allows players to play chess against friends or computer opponents and earn Bitcoin. The game operates on a "Play-and-Earn" model, where Viker shares revenue with the players. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.viker.chess
Chess Universe: A popular mobile chess platform that features "play-to-earn" mechanics, allowing users to earn crypto and create NFTs as they play. https://playtoearn.com/blockchaingame/chess-universe
Checkmate.live: A platform that offers official, FIDE-rated chess tournaments. It features a "Pro Mode" where players can compete in high-stakes matches for prizes in USDC. https://www.checkmate.live/
Royale Chess: A blockchain-based game that allows users to play chess online against other players for real crypto money, including the ability to play on multiple boards at once. https://playtoearn.com/blockchaingame/royale-chess
ChessNode: A "brain-powered mining" site where players can stake STEIN tokens and earn rewards by defeating opponents in matches. https://chessnode.io/
Chesslance.com: A platform that organizes regular chess tournaments with real money/crypto prizes. Tournaments are often free to enter, with rewards for top finishers. https://chesslance.com/
Chess-core: Play against a challenging computer opponent, refine your strategy, and earn crypto rewards for your efforts. https://dappradar.com/dapp/chess-core
Ziffi Chess: A mobile gaming app that is popular in India for fast-paced, 6-move "T20" style chess games, which can be played for real-money rewards. https://www.ziffichess.com/

Important Considerations

Skill Requirements: You usually need to be a skilled player to win consistently against others wagering money.
Engine Cheaters: Some platforms suffer from players using chess engines (AI), making it difficult for honest, talented players to win.
Fees/Wagers: Many of these platforms function by taking a percentage of the wagers as a commission, or by having players pay entry fees to participate in tournaments.
Payout Method: Most of these platforms use the Bitcoin Lightning Network, which requires a lightning-enabled wallet (such as Zebedee) to receive payments.
Earning Potential: Earnings in crypto are generally low, typically from a few cents to thirty cents per session (on average), meant to be engaging rather than a primary source of income.
Legitimacy: While some apps offer direct crypto earnings, other mainstream platforms like Chess.com only accept crypto for subscriptions via third-party providers like BitPay.

Estimation of incomes from playing chess

Assuming, that you can get 20 cents per a chess session online and simultaneously play 10 sessions per hour, then your hourly income will be $2. If you play 10 hours per day then your daily income will be $20 and monthly income about $600 (if you play each day). Such income can cover your food expenses, in most parts of the world.

If you are an experienced player, who regularly can win in chess tournaments, then your monthly income can reach thousands and cover your food and shelter costs.

The average first-place prize for winners of regional or local weekend chess tournaments in the US generally ranges from $500 to $2,000 USD for the top open section, depending on the event size and entry fees. Larger regional opens (e.g., state championships or major city opens) may offer top prizes of $2,500 to over $4,500.

Top-tier international chess tournament winners typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 USD for first place in major events, while elite World Championship matches offer winners over $1 million+. For top players, regular tournament prize winnings can exceed $500,000–$1 million per year. As a rule, all top-tier international chess tournament winners are millionaires (from playing chess). See, [1-2].