David Howell is an English Grandmaster, elite player, and one of the leading voices in modern chess broadcasting.
Born in Eastbourne in 1990, Howell emerged as one of Britain’s greatest chess talents at an early age. He became the youngest British player ever to defeat a Grandmaster in a classical game and, at 16, the youngest British player to earn the Grandmaster title.
He is a three-time British Champion and has achieved a peak rating above 2700, placing him among the world’s elite. Representing England in international team competitions, Howell won an individual gold medal on board three at the 2022 Chess Olympiad.
In recent years, he has become equally renowned for his work as a commentator. Combining deep strategic understanding with clarity, warmth, and humour, Howell has become a trusted voice for audiences following the world’s biggest tournaments, including the World Championship cycle. In 2025, he was voted Commentator of the Year by the Chess.com community.
Howell also has strong ties to the Nordic chess community and has spent significant time living in Oslo. He is part of the team behind Take Take Take, the chess media platform producing live coverage, interviews, and digital content for a global audience.
At ChessParty 2026, Howell demonstrated that his strength extends far beyond the commentary studio. Competing against players of every level in the revived Tusenmanna time-handicap tournament, he navigated the unique format and emerged as its champion.
David Howell returns to ChessParty in 2027, where visitors will once again have the opportunity to experience his remarkable combination of elite playing strength, insight, and personality.
Program details will be announced.