Eberechi Eze strokes his chin, deep in thought.

It is early May and Eze is playing against Minecraft streamer Sapnap in the final of the amateur Pogchamps 6 chess tournament. The commentators – Andrea and Alexandra Botez, sisters who are two renowned chess players and social media stars – aren’t entirely sure who Eze is, but the live chat is full of Crystal Palace fans.

And one thing they notice is: Eze is actually really good.

Through the tournament he starts each match with a King’s Indian setup, sets traps, springs surprise attacks formulated several moves in advance.

Plays that surprise even the commentators, one of whom is a former FIDE Master.

“Ebs does not miss a moment,” Andrea says after Eze’s win. “He is a very terrifying opponent.”

Eze smiles down the camera, waggles a for

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