Why have so many chess champions come from Russia/The Soviet Union in recent years?

Question

Why have so many chess champions come from Russia/The Soviet Union in recent years?

Answer 1

It could be because Russia values the skill and is supporting them to become better.  Many countries support people who show enough promise to become world champions in various areas.  Also, people in Russia may not have as much access to many of the more modern pass times, such as use of Internet, and so there may be more emphasis there on games such as chess with young people.  There may be chess clubs in the elementary schools and high schools, so good players are identified and encouraged early.

Answer 2

In a word, it is because the Soviet Union placed value on developing every soviet who was gifted at chess to be the best he or she could be.  Given the best facilities and coaches there were many many great chess players in the USSR.  Even after the fall of the USSR, the players remain and many have flourished in the more capitalistic environment.

wl

Answer 3

The US, sadly, doesn't recognize chess as an important sport.  We're too busy promoting our football and basketball drugies.

The US is all about macho c**p like wrestling, football, and basketball....things with a lot of flare and eye popping action.  We're not excited by games which exhibit high intelligence like chess.

Simply put - chess is not physical enough for us Americans.  We're too easily amused by contact sports and hard bodies.

Sad isn't it?