Chess Makes its Esports Debut at the 2025 Esports World Cup!
The ancient game of chess is stepping into the modern world of esports! The 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), the world's largest gaming and esports festival, has announced chess as a featured competition. This unprecedented move is the result of a major collaboration between Chess.com, chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF).
A Historic Partnership Ushers in a New Era for Chess
EWCF CEO Ralf Reichert hailed chess as "the mother of all strategy games," expressing excitement about its inclusion in the EWC. He noted chess's global appeal and vibrant competitive scene as a perfect fit for the event's mission to unite diverse gaming communities.World champion and top-ranked player Magnus Carlsen will serve as an ambassador, aiming to introduce chess to a wider audience and inspire future generations of players. Carlsen expressed his enthusiasm about this opportunity to elevate chess's profile on a global stage alongside established esports titles.
Riyadh 2025: A $1.5 Million Showdown
The EWC chess competition will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 31st to August 3rd, 2025, boasting a substantial $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 vie for a $300,000 prize pool and a coveted spot in the EWC's inaugural chess tournament.
The CCT will feature a faster-paced format than traditional tournaments, utilizing a 10-minute time control per game with no increment. Armageddon tiebreakers will ensure decisive winners.
Chess, with roots tracing back 1500 years to ancient India, has captivated players for centuries. Its digital adaptation via platforms like Chess.com has significantly broadened its reach, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Popular culture, including streaming and shows like "The Queen's Gambit," has also contributed to its growing popularity.
This official recognition as an esport promises to attract even more players and fans, solidifying chess's place in the modern gaming landscape.
