Nemo Chess, the player who changed the game
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.
