Spotlight: From Chemistry to Chess with Judit Sztaray

Judit's journey is a remarkable tale of following one's passion and discovering fulfillment in unexpected places. Hailing from Hungary, where chess is deeply ingrained in the culture, Judit's fondness for the game was natural. When her eldest daughter expressed an interest in chess, Judit eagerly embraced the opportunity to teach and play with her. Little did she know that this would mark the beginning of her involvement in the world of chess beyond just playing.

From Player to Organizer

As her daughter delved deeper into chess, Judit's passion for the game grew stronger. She began volunteering and organizing chess events, immersing herself in the chess community and forming connections with fellow enthusiasts.

One of her most significant projects was the Pan Am Intercollegiate Championship, where college chess teams from North America compete. Working alongside collaborators, Judit conducted surveys exploring the correlation between chess players and STEM fields, revealing a striking connection.

A Vision for the Future

Now part of Chess.com, one of the world's leading chess platforms, Judit aims to connect chess clubs worldwide and organize top-quality tournaments. Her vision for 2023 involves collaborating with other organizations, fostering a unified network for organizers and administrators.

If you’d like to learn more about Judit’s story, check out the full interview here.