Samay Raina is an Indian stand-up comedian, YouTuber, content creator, and chess enthusiast who has carved a unique space for himself in the world of digital entertainment. Born on October 26, 1997, in Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir, Samay comes from a conservative Kashmiri Pandit family. He moved to Pune for his engineering studies and later found his calling in comedy, eventually shifting to Mumbai to pursue it professionally.
Samay Raina shot to fame in 2019 after co-winning Comicstaan Season 2, a stand-up comedy competition that served as a major launching pad for many young comedians in India. His smart humor, quick wit, and natural charm helped him become a favorite among audiences.
Samay didn’t just stop at stand-up. He diversified his online presence by starting a YouTube channel where he streams live chess matches, collaborates with comedians, and hosts engaging content. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, he popularized chess content in India by organizing tournaments like Comedians on Board, featuring well-known personalities such as Tanmay Bhat and Biswa Kalyan Rath. His chess streams became viral, attracting even grandmasters like Viswanathan Anand and Vidit Gujrathi.
In 2024, Samay added another feather to his cap by becoming the anchor and writer for the talent show India’s Got Latent, further solidifying his versatility.
Samay Raina’s journey is a remarkable blend of passion, talent, and persistence. From making jokes on stage to promoting chess as an engaging sport and building a loyal digital following, he represents the new-age Indian entertainer who is not confined to one genre. With over 6 million subscribers on YouTube and millions more across Instagram, Twitter, and other platforms, Samay continues to inspire and entertain a growing audience.