Star sellers can amass huge followings and eye-popping fortunes, through a format that mixes consumerism and entertainment. But competition is fierce, and the government is watching.
A grain deal that got Ukrainian exports moving and eased a global food crisis is now fueling protests in Romania and among other staunch supporters of Kyiv.
Pandemic boredom and a Netflix mini-series, “The Queen’s Gambit,” added to the game’s sudden popularity. But Chess.com was also plotting its own moves.