Samay Raina

Samay Raina is an Indian stand-up comedian who transformed into one of the most influential chess content creators on the planet. Born on October 26, 1997, in Jammu, India, Samay first gained fame by co-winning Comicstaan Season 2 in 2019. During the chess boom of 2020, he began streaming chess on YouTube and quickly built one of the largest chess audiences anywhere in the world.

With over 8 million YouTube subscribers and hundreds of millions of views, Samay has done more to popularize chess in India than almost anyone in the modern era. His blend of comedy, audience interaction, and genuine love for the game creates an atmosphere that draws in viewers who might never have considered watching chess. He has provided commentary for the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League and competed in events like the Botez Bullet Invitational, which he won in 2021.

Beyond chess, Samay continues to thrive as a comedian. He hosts India s Got Latent, performed at Madison Square Garden in 2026, and released his debut comedy special Still Alive on YouTube in March 2026. His Chess.com rapid rating hovers around 1600-1900, proving you do not need to be a Grandmaster to make chess entertaining for millions of people.