Jan Gustafsson

Jan Gustafsson is a German chess Grandmaster, commentator, and entrepreneur who helped shape how millions of people watch and learn chess online. Born on June 25, 1979, in Essen, Germany, he earned the Grandmaster title in 2003 and went on to become one of the most recognizable voices in chess broadcasting.

In 2014, Gustafsson co-founded Chess24.com alongside Enrique Guzman, building it into one of the top chess platforms on the internet. Chess24 became known for its world-class live commentary, training content, and community. The platform was eventually acquired by and merged into Chess.com, but its influence on modern chess media remains clear.

Beyond his work as a broadcaster, Gustafsson played a behind-the-scenes role in competitive chess at the highest level. He served as a second to Magnus Carlsen during the 2016, 2018, and 2021 World Chess Championship matches, helping the world champion prepare openings and strategies. He also coached the German national team at the 2022 Chess Olympiad in Chennai.

Gustafsson is one of the most popular German-speaking chess streamers on Twitch, where his relaxed style and deep analytical skill have earned him a loyal following. He is also a published author on Chessable, contributing opening repertoire courses that reflect his practical, no-nonsense approach to the game.