Latest Project Mr. Karjakin recently started a chess school at Moscow State University, where he is a frequent lecturer and host of public lessons. “I tell people of all ages that if you’re ready to spend five or six or more hours a day on chess, you will have a good future,” he said.

Next Thing After winning the Candidates Tournament in Moscow last March, Mr. Karjakin became a challenger to Magnus Carlsen of Norway, the reigning 25-year-old world champion. The World Chess Championship match with Mr. Carlsen takes place in New York, starting Nov. 11, at the newly revamped Fulton Market building at the South Street Seaport. “I always have it in the back of my mind that I want to beat my opponent, but he is not my enemy,” he said.

Power Player Perhaps surprisingly, being an international chess superstar comes with many of the same perks as Hollywood A-listers, including flashy sports cars and parties like the championship gala on Nov. 10 at the Plaza hotel, for which the actor Adrian Grenier will be the host. “Recently in Moscow it became a trend to add some intellectual chess flavor to V.I.P. social events,” he said. “I like being part of it, but mainly to promote the game among different audiences.”