David Howell

David Howell is an English grandmaster, commentator, and one of the leading voices in modern chess broadcasting.

Born near London in 1990, Howell quickly established himself as one of Britain’s most promising young talents. At just 16, he became the youngest grandmaster in British history and went on to build a career among the strongest players of his generation.

He is a three-time British Champion (2009, 2013, 2014) and has achieved a peak rating above 2700, placing him among the world’s elite. Representing England in international team competitions, he was also part of the team that won gold at the 2022 Chess Olympiad.

In recent years, Howell has become especially known for his work as a commentator. Combining deep strategic insight with clarity and humour, he 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 public on Chess.com.

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 TakeTakeTake, a media platform producing interviews, coverage, and digital chess content.

At ChessParty, David Howell will take part in the 1000-player tournament and be available in Play a GM, giving visitors the chance to play against one of the world’s leading commentators and grandmasters.

Whether you’re looking to challenge him across the board or follow his insights from close range, this is a rare opportunity to experience both his playing strength and his unique ability to communicate the game.