From Chess Prodigy to Digital Content Creator
The world of chess has found an unlikely superstar in Andrea Cecilia Cristina Botez, a 23-year-old Canadian-American professional chess player who has successfully transitioned into digital content creation. Born on 6 April 2002 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Andrea has carved her unique path in the competitive world of chess while building a massive online following.
Family Legacy and Early Chess Career
Andrea comes from a family deeply rooted in chess culture. Her father, Andrei Botez, known affectionately as Papa Botez, is an engineer and chess enthusiast of Romanian descent. The Botez family initially lived in an immigrant community in Oregon before settling in Canada.
Andrea began her chess journey at the tender age of six, honing her skills at Golden Knights and the Romanian Community Centre Chess Club. Her talent became evident early when she started competing in American chess tournaments at seven years old. Her first major achievement came in 2010 when she won the U8 Girls Canadian Youth Chess Championship.
By 2015, Andrea had claimed the title of Women's British Columbia Chess Champion, demonstrating her growing prowess in the game. Her competitive peak came in 2018 when she achieved her highest FIDE classical rating of 1773, followed by her peak US Chess rating of 1933 in 2019.
The Botez Sisters Partnership
Andrea works closely with her older sister, Alexandra Botez, who is also an accomplished chess player. Alexandra, born on 24 September 1995, has earned the title of Woman FIDE Master (WFM) and reached her peak FIDE Elo rating of 2092 in September 2016.
The sisters launched their joint venture, BotezLive, in April 2018—a chess streaming show on Twitch that has revolutionized how chess is consumed online. Their accompanying YouTube channel has amassed over 1.88 million subscribers and generated more than one billion views, making chess accessible and entertaining to a global audience.
Their success was formally recognized in December 2020 when they were named finalists for Breakthrough Streamer of the Year at the Dexerto Awards. This recognition led to a significant opportunity—working as content creators for Envy, a premier e-sports and entertainment organization.
Personal Life and Interests
Currently residing between Dallas, Texas, and New York, Andrea maintains a busy schedule balancing her chess career with content creation. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall and weighing approximately 110 pounds (50 kg), the Aries-born chess star has dark brown hair and eyes that match her determined personality.
While Andrea remains focused on her career, she has diverse interests beyond chess. Her hobbies include DJing, boxing, and traveling. Though she doesn't have a formal DJ tour scheduled for late 2025, her passion for music adds another dimension to her creative pursuits.
In terms of her personal life, Andrea is currently single and prefers to keep her romantic relationships private. Her dedication to her craft is evident in her aggressive playing style and commitment to self-study in content creation.
Philanthropy and Future Prospects
Andrea has also demonstrated social responsibility through her participation in charitable events. In 2020, she joined the Zoomers Play Chess tournament to raise COVID-19 relief funds, showing her commitment to using her platform for positive impact.
While Andrea has not yet achieved the Grandmaster title—the highest honor awarded by FIDE—her influence on the game extends beyond traditional rankings. Through BotezLive, she has introduced chess to millions who might never have engaged with the game otherwise.
The Botez sisters' success story demonstrates how traditional games can thrive in the digital age. With her analytical skills, engaging personality, and business acumen, Andrea Botez represents a new generation of chess professionals who are redefining what it means to be successful in the world of competitive chess.
