She started playing chess at age 3, became world champion at 14, and a Women’s Grandmaster at 16… then left the competitive scene to become one of the most popular figures in online chess. Her name? Qiyu Zhou. Her username? Nemo. And her playground is definitely no longer limited to the chessboard.
From Child Prodigy to Champion
Born in China in 2000, Qiyu Zhou grew up in France, Finland, and Canada. She discovered chess when she was still very young and quickly became passionate about the game, which requires as much patience as it does instinct.
At age 5, she had already won her first national title in Finland. A few years later, she became the Finnish champion, then the Under-14 world champion in 2014. In 2016, she claimed the Canadian championship title and achieved a world ranking that propelled her among the best players of her generation. She officially became a Women’s Grandmaster in 2016–2017.
In 2020, as chess was making a spectacular comeback online, Nemo began streaming. His username, akaNemsko, quickly became familiar to fans and newcomers alike.
Nemo is helping to change the image of chess: making it less intimidating, less elitist, more spontaneous, and, above all, more accessible.
A figure who transcends party lines
Today, Nemo is no longer just a chess player. As a content creator, streamer, and gaming personality, she has also ventured into other areas, notably poker.
A journey that reflects who she is: Nemo loves to play, but she also loves to think outside the box. Her story ultimately speaks to something very relevant today: you can be an expert without wanting to remain confined by the rules of your own world.
In fact, she advocates a much more relaxed approach to chess. Her goal? To inspire people to give it a try, without necessarily aiming to become the next world champion. “We need to show people that chess can be fun,” she explained during a meeting in 2025.
The real question: How many rounds will you last?
On October 2 and 3, Nemo Chess will be at the Nouvelles Galeries in Annecy to meet the public, play games, and share his world. Whether you’re an experienced player, a casual player, or completely unable to tell a bishop from a knight, you’re welcome to come try your hand at it.
When the mountains meet skateboarding!
What if the adventure could begin right in the heart of the city?
For their second collaboration,Millet and Elementare blending their two worlds: the mountains and the streets. A collection designed for those who love to move, climb, skate, and explore… without necessarily having to choose between the city and the outdoors.
Called “Escape from the Concrete Jungle,” this new capsule collection plays with the styles of outdoor and workwear: looser fits, layering, reversible pieces, technical fabrics, and bold colors. Millet brings its alpine expertise and high-performance technologies, while Element infuses the collection with its free-spirited, creative skate culture.
Highlights include aGORE-TEX Shell jacket, a down jacket, a sweater made in France, pieces made from Polartec Alpha, as well as theFrictionshoe and theChamonix backpack.
And the collaboration doesn't stop with the collection:Millet x Element is going on tour across France and Europe to meet its community.
In Annecy, join us on Saturday, October 24, at the Millet Brand Store and Atomefor an event dedicated to climbing, skateboarding, and the outdoors.
A new way of looking at the mountains:freer, more urban, and above all, always on the move.
August 1966 – The Rescue at Les Drus
Behind the Lens: André Gobeli
On August 16, 1966, while covering a bicycle race in Sallanches for the ORTF, journalist and photographer André Gobeli received an unexpected call. Off to Les Drus he went.
A television crew is flown by helicopter as close as possible to the cliff face. André, meanwhile, heads to base camp to report on the arrival of the rescuers and survivors.
The footage will be used in the evening news. But André also keeps a few candid photographs for himself.
Today, these photographs have become rare records of a moment that left its mark on the history of mountaineering.
A man who told stories of his time
Born in Geneva in 1921 and living in Annecy since the late 1940s, André Gobeli was not just a photographer.
He was the one who was always there whenever something happened.
Weddings, family portraits, official ceremonies, local festivals, sporting events, and high-profile presidential visits: for more than sixty years, his camera has captured both the daily lives of Annecy’s residents and the defining moments of history.
As a journalist for *Le Dauphiné Libéré*, a cameraman for ORTF, and the official photographer for the City of Annecy, he crossed paths over the decades with Vincent Auriol, Pierre Mendès France, Johnny Hallyday, Françoise Hardy, Hugues Aufray… as well as leading figures in the mountaineering world such as René Desmaison, Maurice Herzog, Guy Périllat, and Sylvain Saudan.
He has also been involved with the Annecy International Animation Film Festival since its inception, leaving behind several thousand photographs that chronicle the festival’s evolution.
His gaze had a special gift: the ability to transform current events into memories.
And among all the images he left us, those of the rescue at Les Drus serve as a reminder that a single click of the shutter can sometimes capture a piece of history.
For curious kids and adults alike!
Here's a great idea for school break in Annecy.
At Nouvelles Galeries, a new space has just opened—and it’s sure to become families’ favorite hangout: the Mini Galeries Club.
A space created for children, designed with parents in mind, and embraced by everyone who loves it when vacations are all about creativity (and peace of mind).
A vacation club…a mini version of“
.”
There’s no chance of getting bored here.
The Mini Galeries Club is a creative activity studio where kids play, create, experiment, and explore. In short, they get to enjoy their vacation just like grown-ups.
Art, cooking, or sports workshops: each activity is designed to spark their curiosity, stimulate their imagination, and build their confidence.
All in a safe, caring, and joyful environment.
Starting at ages 3–4 and 5, every little one finds their place, at their own pace.
Meanwhile, the parents are taking a breather.
Because we know that finding activities for kids in Annecy during school breaks isn't always easy. The Mini Galeries Club has thought of everything.
While your children are having fun:
- you're strolling through the Nouvelles Galeries,
- you treat yourself to a quiet cup of coffee,
- or you (finally) take some time for yourself.
No stress. No guilt. With a smile.
Mini Galeries Club is the new, smart choice for a great vacation, where there's something for everyone.
Welcome to the Mini Galeries Club at Les Nouvelles Galeries Annecy.