Alexandra Kosteniuk: World's Best Women's Chess Player & a Model

by Jon Azpiri | January 11, 2009 at 03:53 pm

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Chessmaster Alexandra Kosteniuk of Russia has raised something of a stir online. In addition to being the best women's chess player in the world, the statuesque brunette is also an aspiring model who hosts a popular podcast entitled Chess is Cool.

Last September, Kosteniuk won the Women's World Championship in her native Russia. Since then, she has cultivated a strong online fan base. Her website features a blog, chess advice, and pictures of her in a bikini. In addition, 3,000 people subscribe to her Chess is Cool podcast.

Kosteniuk started playing chess with her father at the age of five and began winning European tournaments at a young age. She first competed in the World Championship in 2001 when she was just 17 years old. She eventually worked her way into the World Top 10 rankings, earning her the title of international grandmaster. Her win at the World Championships in 2008 was enough to make her the top-ranked female chess player in the world.

Kosteniuk isn't the only person to mix modeling and chess. Supermodel Carmen Kass of Estonia is an avid chess player and the former president of the Estonian Chess Federation. Kass, who once dated actor Leonardo DiCaprio, is romantically involved with German chess champion Eric Lobron.

You can view Alexandra Kosteniuk pics and subscribe to her podcast at www.kosteniuk.com.