Mike Klein (born Oct 15th, 1979), also known as "FunMasterMike", is an American chess FIDE master, streamer, coach, journalist, and ChessKid.com's Chief Chess Officer. He is a 3-time Chess Journalist of the Year by Chess Journalists of America.

Chess career

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Mike Klein in 2022
Country United States
Born October 15, 1979
Title FIDE Master (2009)
Peak rating 2327 (2007)

Born in North Carolina, Klein, started playing chess when he was 4-year-old. In 1987, he became the youngest member of the inaugural All-American Chess Team and an 8-time member. In 1988, he won the United States Chess Federation's K-3 National Championship. He was also a 5-time North Carolina High School Champion, and eventually became North Carolina's youngest-ever master.[1]

Klein earned his United States Chess Federation national master title in 1996 and FIDE master in 2006.

Chess journalist and educator

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Klein started his career as a chess journalist in 2008 for Chess Life magazine. Klein won the Chess Journalists of America (CJA) award for Chess Journalist of the Year in 2012, 2015, and 2018. He has also won other awards from the CJA, such as Best Tournament Report, and several writing awards for major newspapers.[2] He is currently a judge of the CJA award.

Klein became the Chief Chess Officer of ChessKid.com in 2013. As one of the recognized online chess content creators for kids, Klein frequently serves as guest speaker or host in scholastic chess events.

Klein is Chess.com's senior correspondent and frequently provides on-site reporting on major chess events, such as the World Chess Championship.

Reference section

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  1. ^ "About". FunMasterMike. 2019-04-13. Retrieved 2024-06-15.
  2. ^ "Mike Klein | Celebrity Player". Chess.com. Retrieved 2024-06-23.
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