eSports Welcomes New Challenger: Chess

Chess Makes its Esports Debut at the 2025 Esports World Cup

The 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), the world's premier gaming and esports festival, is making headlines with a surprising addition to its tournament lineup: chess! This ancient game joins the ranks of modern esports, a significant development for both the chess world and the broader esports community.

A Historic Partnership Ushers in a New Era for Chess

A groundbreaking collaboration between Chess.com, chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) brings competitive chess to the EWC for the very first time. This partnership aims to introduce the classic game to a wider, more mainstream audience.

EWCF CEO Ralf Reichert expressed his excitement, calling chess "the ultimate strategy game" and highlighting its historical significance, global appeal, and thriving competitive scene as a perfect fit for the EWC.

Magnus Carlsen, a retired world champion and current world number one, will serve as an ambassador, helping bridge the gap between traditional chess and the esports world. He expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to introduce chess to new audiences and inspire a new generation of players.

Riyadh 2025: A $1.5 Million Showdown

The EWC 2025, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 31st to August 3rd, will feature a $1.5 million prize pool. To qualify, players must first compete in the 2025 Champions Chess Tour (CCT) in February and May. The top 12 CCT players, along with four from a "Last Chance Qualifier," will battle for a $300,000 prize pool and a coveted spot in the EWC, marking chess's historic entrance into the esports arena.

To attract a broader esports audience, the 2025 CCT will adopt a faster-paced format. Matches will use a 10-minute time control with no increment, and tiebreakers will be decided by a single Armageddon game.

Chess, originating in ancient India over 1500 years ago, has captivated players for centuries. Its digital adaptation, fueled by platforms like Chess.com and popular culture (like The Queen's Gambit), broadened its appeal, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, its official recognition as an esport promises to attract even more players and fans.