Ready to jump on a comprehensive chess journey with Lena Miladinovic?! Be my guest. Take a sit and read this amazing story.
1. What do you find the biggest challenge for chess players nowadays?
One of the most significant challenges faced by chess players today is their lack of visibility within the global chess community, which means lack of engagement and lack of earnings. Unlike sports such as basketball or soccer, where you can participate and focus only to one club per season, chess operates in a distinct manner. Even though chess players have the opportunity to participate in various leagues, earn a livelihood, and represent multiple clubs, travel, earnings, and chess playing, this things often remains obscured. Regrettably, the limited visibility of many players hampers their ability to attract engagement and recognition from the wider audience. If you ask me, that is why me and my team developed Outpost Chess - the solution to the visibility challenge faced by chess players today. With Outpost Chess, you can easily create and verify your own profile, opening doors to a myriad of exciting opportunities. Discover clubs, connect with fellow players, find students or coaches, and explore thrilling tournaments. Immerse yourself in the vibrant chess community and enjoy the countless possibilities that await you on Outpost.
2. How do you search for a new chess engagement (clubs, tournaments)?
I have been fortunate enough to receive invitations based on my reputation in the chess world, but I recognize that many individuals, particularly women and less visible players, face the disheartening reality of not being engaged or recognized. This leads to a discouraging path of giving up on chess altogether. It is imperative that we bring about a change in this regard. Regarding tournaments and events, I am using the Outpost Chess calendar, I now have easy access to a wide range of tournament options, primarily online ones. However, it is crucial that we work towards creating equal opportunities and visibility for all chess enthusiasts, fostering a more inclusive and supportive chess community.
3. What do you think that is the biggest obstacle for improvement in chess?
Luck of opportunity, luck of money in chess (motivation), luck of hard work of course and the most important, luck of psychological strength. In the world of chess, it is often said that success depends on a combination of opportunity, financial resources, and dedicated hard work. While luck may play a role, it is the amalgamation of these factors that truly paves the way to triumph. Chess players, aspiring to reach their full potential, must navigate the challenges of limited opportunities and financial constraints. However, it is through their unwavering dedication, relentless pursuit of improvement, and unyielding commitment that they can overcome these obstacles. By embracing the power of hard work, combined with a dash of good fortune, chess players can set themselves on a path towards achieving greatness in this timeless game of strategy and intellect. As mentioned, psychological strength is the last but not the least thing, it comes as the most important crown for success.
4. Do you think you can live out of chess (make enough money)?
Indeed, the realm of chess offers immense possibilities for individuals to lead fulfilling lives and earn a sustainable income. However, this requires a skillful combination of various chess-related roles and endeavors. As an example, I hold prestigious FIDE titles as a Woman International Master (WIM), an Arbiter (IA), and also have a coaching accreditation (FI). By blending these three facets together, along with organizing numerous chess events, I am able to find a sense of security in my chess pursuits. Yet, it is important to acknowledge that the journey towards a balanced and rewarding existence in chess demands significant energy and undertaking of multiple tasks. Chess must evolve to provide ample opportunities for enthusiasts to fully immerse themselves in the game, while simultaneously earning a livelihood that motivates them to continue embracing this magnificent pursuit. As a crown to my chess career, I started with Outpost Chess – a digital community for chess people to represent themselves, be visible, and find a chance to finally be engaged in the chess world.
5. Beside a chess player, do you have any other role in chess?
Absolutely, as I mentioned above, but here is a story: My journey in the world of chess has been nothing short of extraordinary. From my initial encounter with the game at the tender age of 5, I have been captivated by its magic, and that passion continues to burn brightly within me even after 24 years as a dedicated Woman International Master. Chess has become an integral part of my being, an inseparable companion that I simply cannot imagine my life without. As my chess journey unfolded, I naturally gravitated towards the role of a Trainer (FI). Guiding and inspiring young minds, sharing the intricacies of this beautiful game, has become a source of immense joy for me. Even amidst the whirlwind of launching and nurturing my startup project, Outpost Chess, I always find time to engage with young chess enthusiasts and witness their growth. Driven by a thirst for new experiences, I delved into the world of Arbiters. The honor of becoming an International Arbiter (IA) allowed me to contribute to numerous prestigious European and World competitions, witnessing the brilliance and intensity of the game firsthand. As the culmination of my chess career, I sought to explore yet another facet—the business side of chess. This led me to establish Outpost Chess, a company that strives to revolutionize the chess experience and create opportunities for chess enthusiasts worldwide. Should you have any questions or wish to connect, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at lena@outpostchess.com. I would be delighted to share my knowledge and extend a helping hand in any way I can.
6. How would you describe Outpost Chess?
From a Player perspective – I can finally manage my chess career, I can find a tournament, I can register and pay through unique platform experience, I can get paid, I can connect to my chess people and explore infinity chess opportunities.
7. Feel free to add any comments, answers, concerns about your chess life…
As Outpost is currently my biggest project nowadays, and I am bringing all my energy to make this world nicely organized, during this venture and until I make everything perfect, I’d be glad If you can support me by creating a profile, so we can make our chess community with real name and surname bigger, and so we can as starter make our selves visible.
My vision is:
If anybody asks where to find and engage chess people? The answer Is one and only: GO TO OUTPOSTCHESS.COM
