World Chess PLC (LSE:CHSS) has registered one million users on its website and app, it said in a short trading update on Monday, as it prepares for a relaunch of its mobile app.
The official partner of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), said notching up a million registered users was a milestone that "demonstrates that the platform has reached a level of adoption which establishes World Chess as a significant player in the online chess sector".
For comparison, rival website chess.com earlier this year announced that it had over 200 million members as of April, up from 100 million users in 2022.
Nevertheless, World Chess chief executive Ilya Merenzon said getting its first million is "a huge milestone and a clear sign of how far we've come.
"The upcoming launch of our redesigned mobile app will allow us to serve this audience in a much richer way".
To accelerate the development of its mobile products, new head of mobile design has been appointed, formerly a holder of a senior design role at Chess.com.
World Chess said this added expertise in designing user-friendly chess platforms at scale, which would be "pivotal" for strengthening its mobile-first strategy, with the redesigned mobile app pencilled in for launch on 1 November.
The new app will feature a modernised design, faster gameplay, and more features aimed at boosting engagement and monetisation.
With the majority of online chess now played on mobile devices, World Chess said the relaunch "represents a cornerstone of the company's growth strategy".
Shares in the company spiked 25% to 0.9p, before dropping back to flat at 0.8p, down 92% over the past year.