Speaker Profile

Robert Hess is a chess grandmaster, commentator, fair play analyst, and coach. Robert earned the grandmaster title at 17, and finished 2nd in the U.S. Championship as a high schooler.

Robert is a leading commentator at Chess.com and has covered the world's most prestigious events, including the World Chess Championship, for over a decade. He travels internationally — from California to Kolkata — to bridge the gap between chess and emerging spaces; his recent commentary at Tata Steel India recognised the game's boom in the region, home to many young prodigies, and his coverage of BlitzChamps spotlights chess stars across college and professional sports.

As a core member of Chess.com's Fair Play team, Robert also plays a vital role in supporting the growth of high-stakes tournaments by ensuring a robust fair play system. An increase in financial opportunities is crucial for players and creators, and Robert helps to maintain a sustainable chess ecosystem through his contributions to online cheat detection.

He has coached both the U.S. Women’s National Team and the National Team at the Chess Olympiad, and continues to train athletes and content creators. A native New Yorker, Robert holds a degree in history from Yale University and currently resides in London.