eSports Pioneer: Chess Takes Center Stage

Chess Makes its Esports Debut at the 2025 Esports World Cup!

The ancient game of chess is entering the world of esports! The 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), the world's largest gaming and esports festival, will feature competitive chess for the first time. This groundbreaking move is the result of a significant partnership between Chess.com, Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF).

This collaboration aims to introduce the strategic game to a wider, more mainstream audience, capitalizing on its rich history and global appeal.

Ralf Reichert, CEO of the EWCF, enthusiastically described chess as "the mother of all strategy games," highlighting its perfect alignment with the EWC's mission to unite popular games and their communities.

World champion and current number one player, GM Magnus Carlsen, will serve as an ambassador for the event, aiming to connect chess with a new generation of players. He expressed his excitement about chess joining other major esports titles at the EWC, viewing the partnership as a vital opportunity for growth and engagement.

The EWC 2025 Chess Tournament:

The EWC chess competition, boasting a $1.5 million prize pool, will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 31st to August 3rd, 2025. Qualification will be determined through the 2025 Champions Chess Tour (CCT), held in February and May. The top 12 CCT players, along with four from a "Last Chance Qualifier," will compete for a $300,000 prize pool and a coveted spot in the EWC.

To enhance the appeal to esports fans, the CCT will utilize a faster, more dynamic format. Matches will feature a 10-minute time control with no increment, and a single Armageddon game will decide tiebreakers.

Chess, originating in ancient India over 1500 years ago, has captivated players for centuries. Its digital transition, facilitated by platforms like Chess.com, and the rise of streaming and online personalities have broadened its reach significantly, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The popularity of shows like "The Queen's Gambit" further contributed to this surge in interest.

With its official recognition as an esport, chess is poised for even greater growth and a new wave of passionate players.