Andrew Tate is a chess player and promoted chess.
Andrew Tate was the most internet famous person for a period of time with a huge following in the teen male demographic.
Possible cause-effect.
Andrew Tate was the most internet famous person for a period of time with a huge following in the teen male demographic.
Possible cause-effect.
I think this may just be your recommendation bubble - most people only heard about him when he was arrested.
You don't have to be on social media - the UK newspapers and other sources will pick up what ever people are talking about on there.
It had exploded in popularity way before him, due to the other reasons mentioned; streamers, Queen's Gambit, etc. but the article is focused on a purported post January spike in schools - and considering the baleful influence he's claimed to have in them, it would also therefore seem necessary to factor him in to any analysis here.