In the world of chess, a sport experiencing exponential growth in India, the fans and followers are its lifeblood. The last few years have transformed chess into a mainstream phenomenon in this country. Fueled by the rise of young prodigies and a thriving ecosystem, major chess events now draw crowds of passionate fans. But there are a few unique enthusiasts who go beyond seeking autographs or selfies and are there to discover and fuel their own passions through the game they love. Lokesh Natoo is a chess lover who has successfully transitioned from an amateur player to a bona fide chess influencer, all while maintaining his corporate career. “I started playing chess at six when my mother taught me as a hobby,” Natoo shares. While he played in school and college, his priorities later shifted to academics, pursuing engineering and then an MBA. An avid follower of the game, Natoo began travelling to tournaments. What started as casual meet-ups, taking photos and selfies, soon evolved into a social media presence. This new career was born …