Samay Raina Wins Super PogChamps, Donates Prize Money to Support Chess Players

Indian comedian, streamer and YouTuber Samay Raina has won the Super PogChamps tournament, an online chess series hosted by Chess.com featuring global streamers and internet personalities. His win came after a dominant run through the event, followed by a gesture that has drawn wide appreciation across the chess community.

A Flawless Run 

Super PogChamps brings together influencers, Twitch creators and amateur players for a multi-stage event.

This year, Samay delivered one of the strongest performances of the tournament:

• 10–0 record in the group stage
• Direct entry into the Championship Bracket semifinals
• 2–1 win over Canadian influencer Andrea Botez
• 2–0 win over French streamer Sardoche in the final, the highest-rated player in the field

ChessBase India posted their congratulations, noting his consistency throughout the event and his clean sweep in the early stages.

Also Read: Supreme Court Directs Samay Raina to Host Fundraising Shows After Disability Remark Controversy

Prize Money Donated in Full

For winning the title, Samay earned USD 10,000 (approx INR 8.9 lakh). He donated the entire amount to the HelpChess fund, which supports chess players in need. In another report, he was also noted to have donated the prize to LIDE Haiti, an organisation working on education, health and opportunities for young girls. This continues Samay’s pattern of using his platform to support chess development, something he has done frequently through charity streams and collaborations.

Post-Match Reaction

Speaking to Chess.com after the win, Samay said: “I’m feeling so, so good. I cannot believe what has happened.”
When asked if he plans to continue playing actively, he responded lightheartedly: “I don’t want to be greedy… I just want to be a winner for some time.”

Samay Raina’s Chess Journey and Stats

According to his Chess.com profile:

• Started playing: April 2017
• Games played: 20,961+
• Current rapid rating: 1765
• Peak rapid rating: 1942 (August 2023)
• Blitz rating: 1454, with a peak of 1629 (2024)
• Not listed on FIDE (does not play official rated tournaments)

Samay primarily participates in community tournaments, creator events and online invitational formats. Over the years, his chess livestreams have helped introduce thousands of casual viewers to the game.

India’s Got Latent 

Recently, the Supreme Court issued directions concerning Samay Raina and other comedians who participated in an India’s Got Latent episode.

• The comedians were ordered to organise at least two fundraising events every month to support treatment for disabled individuals.
• The order followed a petition by the Cure SMA India Foundation, citing a joke made in the show about a high-value charity drive.
• The bench, led by CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, noted that the comedians had volunteered for fundraising work and also sought permission to share positive stories of differently-abled individuals.

The court clarified that participation in such events is entirely voluntary for disabled individuals and dependent on the comedians’ ability to encourage involvement.