From a divisive public personality to a renowned entrepreneur and thought leader, Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, has undergone a stunning metamorphosis.
His path is evidence of tenacity, flexibility, and the ability of reinventions to empower.
Kamath got caught in a big controversy in June 2021 after confessing to cheating in a charity chess match against renowned grandmaster Viswanathan Anand of India. The affair damaged his name and resulted in Chess.com being banned.
But Kamath turned his attention toward media and business instead of allowing the incident define him.
After co-founding one of India’s most successful discount brokerage companies, Zerodha, he later started the podcast “WTF is,” which rapidly grew to be among the most often used venues for intelligent conversations with business leaders and analysts.
From his chess scandal to his ascent as a successful entrepreneur and powerful podcaster, this essay investigates Kamath’s path.
The Chess Controversy: An Expression of Public Opinion
Chess.com planned an online charitable chess tournament in June 2021 to help with COVID-19 relief. The event included various well-known figures playing against former world chess champion Viswanathan Anand in a simultaneous exhibition match: celebrities, businesspeople, and chess professionals.
Among the players was Nikhil Kamath, who stunned everyone by defeating Anand—an accomplishment that, considering Anand’s experience, appeared rather unlikely. Suspicions about Kamath’s movement accuracy started almost right away.
Critics of his game said he was cheating since chess aficionados and experts noted his playing very matched the moves advised by computer engines.
Chess.com looked internally shortly after the game and found Kamath had broken fair play policies. His story was then taken from publication. Kamath came clean under increasing investigation of seeking outside help during the game. In a public statement, he admitted his conduct and said:
“It is absurd that so many people believe I truly defeat Vishy sir in a chess game.”
Kamath apologized and said his actions were not meant to be taken seriously, but damage was done. Widespread indignation resulted from the incident; many blamed him for disrespecting a chess master and compromising the essence of a charitable event.
But Viswanathan Anand managed the matter gracefully, deciding not to act going forward. Emphasizing the need of preserving the integrity of the game, he exhorted the people to move on.
Public Opinion and Resulting Effects
The scandal went viral right away and spurred discussions on social media on morality, fair play, and prominent personalities’ obligations. While others questioned if Kamath’s apology was sincere or just an effort at damage control, many attacked him for compromising the event’s legitimacy.
The issue affected Kamath’s personal reputation as well as begged questions about the moral standards of business executives and celebrities. One long-standing effect of the exclusion from Chess.com was limited access to interact with the online chess community.
Kamath responded differently, though, in response to public criticism—rather than hiding from the public eye, he turned his attention on developing new businesses and increasing his impact in more positive directions.
Turn now to entrepreneurship, with the ascent of Zerodha.
Nikhil Kamath had already established a name in the financial industry as co-founder of Zerodha, India’s biggest discount broker before the chess debate.
Founded in 2010 alongside his brother Nithin Kamath, Zerodha transformed India’s stock trading sector with a low-cost brokerage strategy. Zerodha gave retail investors and traders an alternative at a period when conventional brokerage companies demanded hefty commissions.
Important Contributors to Zero’s Success:
- Zero-cost trading allowed Zerodha to cut heavy brokerage costs, therefore making stock trading more reasonable.
- Using cutting-edge trading systems, the business attracted a fresh generation of tech-savvy investors.
- Financial Education: By means of programs like Varsity, Zerodha taught thousands of future traders financial literacy and investment techniques.
The success of Zerodha shot the Kamath brothers to billionaire status; Nikhil Kamath is among the youngest self-made billionaires in India. Zerodha’s strong reputation in the business sector helped him to stay credible even in the middle of debate over his chess match.
A New Venture: The Starting of “WTF is” Podcast
Kamath started the podcast “WTF is.” in March 2023, therefore transcending the finance industry. This endeavor let him have meaningful, provocative dialogues with top authorities from several sectors.
The podcast covers a broad spectrum with regard to:
Business and Entrepreneurship: Showcasing CEOs and entrepreneurs offering their ideas on creating profitable businesses.
Technology and Innovation: Talks on artificial intelligence, blockchain, and developing trends influencing the future.
Philosophy and Psychology — Discussions of human behavior, decision-making, and personal development.
Finance and Economics: Professional studies of financial markets, investments, and economic policies.
“WTF is” acquired great momentum thanks in large part to Kamath’s capacity to engage with business leaders and provide insightful analysis.
Development and influence of the podcast
“WTF is” has evolved into among India’s most powerful podcasts from its launch. Several well-known visitors have graced the performance, including:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi talking on India’s economic vision.
- Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: Views on biotechnology and business.
- Tanmay Bhat: The junction of corporate, content development, and comedy.
- Ritesh Agarwal: The road to create OYO Rooms.
- Suniel Shetty – Views on entertainment, fitness, and health.
“WTF is” has positioned Kamath as a credible voice in business and thought leadership with millions of listeners across Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
The way “WTF is” From controversy to thought leader, the podcast helped change public view of Kamath from the chess incident to his function as a knowledge-sharing facilitator.
Developing a Loyal Audience – Kamath built authority and credibility in intellectual debates by including outstanding business leaders and professionals.
Changing His Impact – Diverse Beyond money, he ventured into media, technology, and personal growth issues.
Awards and Recognition
Although “WTF is” has not yet won any big accolades, it is among the best podcasts available in India. Reflecting its rising appeal among listeners, it routinely scores highly on sites like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
The popularity of the show can be attributed to Kamath’s capacity to involve well-known visitors and provide easily understandable difficult subjects.
Finally, a remarkable metamorphosis.
The road Nikhil Kamath travels is one of reinventions and atonement. From the depths of a public crisis to rising podcast host and major business, his resilience has been amazing.
Kamath managed to turn around his chess match with Viswanathan Anand by doubling down on his entrepreneurial activities and using media’s influence, despite the debate over it.
One of India’s leading brokerage companies still is Zerodha, and “WTF is” draws some of the best brains for insightful conversations.
His narrative teaches resiliency, personal development, and the need of seizing fresh chances quite well.
Kamath has ultimately effectively changed his public persona—not as the cheater in a chess match but rather as a businessman and intellectual voice influencing dialogues in India.
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