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Samay Raina is an Indian stand-up comedian, YouTuber and content creator who rose to fame as the co-winner of Comicstaan season 2. Known for blending comedy with intellectual and cultural themes, he has become one of the most influential figures in India’s digital entertainment scene. As of August 2025, Samay has 6.7 million Instagram followers and 7.4 million YouTube subscribers with nearly 600 million views. His journey from open mics in Pune to hosting large-scale shows and streaming chess tournaments has made him a household name among the youth.
Samay Raina Early Life and Education
Born on October 26, 1997, Samay Raina age is 27 years as of 2025. He hails from a Kashmiri Pandit family originally from Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, and was raised in Jammu city. Coming from a conservative household, he pursued engineering at PVG’s College of Engineering and Technology in Pune. However, Samay later admitted that his course felt like a waste of time, and he discovered his real passion in comedy while performing at open mics.
Samay Raina Stand-Up Comedy
Samay began performing stand-up on August 27, 2017. Initially, he opened for established comedians such as Anirban Dasgupta and Abhishek Upmanyu. After gaining recognition in Pune, he shifted to Mumbai, where he performed across the city and in other parts of India. His ability to combine wit with storytelling made him one of the fastest-rising comics of his generation.
Comicstaan 2 Victory
His big break came in 2019 when he joined Comicstaan season 2, a stand-up comedy competition on Amazon Prime Video. Encouraged by fellow comedian Aakash Gupta, Samay participated in the show and eventually emerged as the joint winner along with Gupta. The victory provided him with a national platform and expanded his audience base.
YouTube and Rise of Chess Streams
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted live events, prompting Samay to shift focus to YouTube. At the suggestion of Tanmay Bhat, he began streaming chess games, initially as lighthearted content. His collaborations with international chess YouTuber Agadmator and Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi boosted his popularity further.
Samay’s channel went on to feature top global chess personalities, including Magnus Carlsen, Vladimir Kramnik, Viswanathan Anand, Judit Polgar, Anish Giri, Teimour Radjabov and Tania Sachdev. His humorous approach made chess accessible to millions, and he is widely credited with helping popularise the sport in India.
Chess Achievements and Tournaments
Samay actively participates in online chess platforms under the username “samayraina.” On May 5, 2021, he won the $10,000 Botez Bullet Invitational hosted by Chess.com, earning $4,000 as the only Indian streamer in the competition.
He also introduced Comedians On Board (COB), where comedians and celebrities competed in online chess, attracting a massive audience. Later, in collaboration with ChessBase India and Nodwin Gaming, he launched the Chess Super League in 2021, featuring international and Indian grandmasters with a prize pool of Rs 40 lakh.
In addition, he used his platform to raise funds for social causes such as helping waste pickers, and providing relief for flood-affected areas in Assam and West Bengal.
India’s Got Latent
In June 2024, Samay expanded his career by launching India’s Got Latent, a talent-based reality show aimed at discovering hidden talents across the country. The success of the show led him to launch an app by the same name, which quickly topped the charts on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Samay has expressed ambitions to grow the platform into a full-fledged OTT service, hosting shows across genres like poetry, rap, and reality TV.
Controversies
Samay has also faced controversy during his career. On February 10, 2025, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that an FIR had been filed against Samay and other influencers, including Ranveer Allahbadia and Ashish Chanchlani, over obscenity and vulgar remarks on India’s Got Latent. The case was filed under provisions of the IT Act, the Cinematograph Act and other statutes. The incident triggered debates in Parliament about the regulation of online content. Following the objections of the National Human Rights Commission, the video was taken down.
Net Worth
Samay Raina net worth is estimated at around 16.5 million US dollars. His earnings come from multiple sources, including YouTube revenue, brand endorsements, sponsorships, live shows and app ventures. His ability to combine comedy with digital innovation has helped him create multiple streams of income, making him one of the wealthiest comedians in India today.
Samay Raina Wife and Relationship Status
Samay’s wife status often trends on social media, but he is not married as of 2025. However, fans frequently speculate about his relationships. Reports have linked him with actress Sahiba Bali, though neither has confirmed their relationship publicly. Discussions about Samay’s girlfriend surface often among his fan base, but he prefers to keep his private life away from the spotlight.
Legacy and Popularity
From being a contestant on Comicstaan to building a massive digital empire, Samay has redefined the journey of an Indian comedian. He successfully bridged the gap between stand-up comedy, gaming and chess, creating a new wave of infotainment in India. With millions of followers, a booming YouTube presence, and live shows that sell out quickly, Samay has secured a place as one of the most dynamic comedians and creators of his time.
FAQs
What is Samay Raina’s age?
Samay Raina was born on October 26, 1997, in Jammu. As of 2025, his age is 27 years.
What is Samay Raina’s height?
Samay’s height is approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm).
What is Samay Raina’s net worth?
Samay Raina net worth is estimated to be around 16.5 million US dollars. His earnings come from YouTube content, live shows, brand endorsements, and digital ventures such as India’s Got Latent.
Is Samay Raina married?
No, he is not married.
Who is Samay Raina’s girlfriend?
Samay has been linked with actress Sahiba Bali in media reports, but neither of them has confirmed the relationship.
What is Samay Raina’s caste?
Samay Raina was born into a Kashmiri Pandit family from Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir.
What is Samay Raina’s chess rating?
As of December 6, 2024, Samay Raina’s online rapid chess rating on Chess.com was 1621, with a highest recorded rating of 1942 on August 3, 2023. He does not hold a FIDE rating but has gained fame as a chess streamer and commentator.
