Below 2700, Chess Doesn't Pay • page 3/3 • General Chess Discussion • lichess.org

Leagues provide a regular income for many European 2600+ or even 2500+ rated players. With some simplification one can say that above 2600 it's attractive (unless one is living in a very rich and expensive country), below 2600 it's not (unless one has very low expenses and earns money in much richer countries). Earning money in open tournaments only is a thankless task even for a strong GM. (Unless you're young, very strong, resistant to discomfort and have good nerves.) In less rich countries or in countries with generous state support chess might become considerably more attractive.
Chess is a nice profession, but a decline in strength (which often comes around 40, although it's very individual) isn't always easy to handle.

Leagues provide a regular income for many European 2600+ or even 2500+ rated players. With some simplification one can say that above 2600 it's attractive (unless one is living in a very rich and expensive country), below 2600 it's not (unless one has very low expenses and earns money in much richer countries). Earning money in open tournaments only is a thankless task even for a strong GM. (Unless you're young, very strong, resistant to discomfort and have good nerves.) In less rich countries or in countries with generous state support chess might become considerably more attractive. Chess is a nice profession, but a decline in strength (which often comes around 40, although it's very individual) isn't always easy to handle.