The Esports World Cup Foundation has made a groundbreaking announcement by officially including Chess in the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC). This move, made possible through a multi-year partnership with the leading online chess platform, Chess.com, is set to redefine the boundaries of competitive gaming. Chess will feature a dedicated $1.5 million (~£1.18 million) tournament, giving the ancient game a prominent position in the rapidly evolving esports landscape.
A New Era for Chess in Competitive Gaming
For the first time in its history, Chess will debut as an official title at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This inclusion signifies a bold step forward for both chess and the esports community. While not traditionally considered an esports game, Chess has steadily gained traction in the digital arena, with platforms like Chess.com enabling competitive play and attracting millions of viewers to streamed tournaments.
To qualify for this high-stakes event, players must participate in the Champions Chess Tour (CCT), a premier series organized by Chess.com. The tour will feature two qualifying events in 2025, culminating in the top 12 CCT players earning direct invitations to the EWC. Additionally, a last-chance qualifier will be held in Riyadh, welcoming both amateur and professional players to vie for a spot in this prestigious competition.
Magnus Carlsen: The Face of Chess in Esports
Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, one of the most celebrated figures in the chess world, has been named an ambassador for Chess at the EWC. Carlsen’s involvement is expected to bridge the gap between chess enthusiasts and the esports community. As an ambassador, Carlsen will not only promote the event but also act as a symbol of the growing synergy between traditional games and modern competitive gaming.
Reflecting on this opportunity, Carlsen remarked that the EWC provides an “amazing opportunity to showcase chess to a wide group of esports fans.” His presence underscores the commitment to elevating chess on a global competitive stage.
Esports World Cup’s Vision: Uniting Communities
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, described the inclusion of Chess as a natural evolution of competitive gaming. He stated:
“From boards to screens, the core competition stays the same. Chess’ rich history, global appeal, and thriving competitive scene make it a perfect fit for our mission to unite the world’s most popular games and their passionate communities under one competitive umbrella.”
The partnership with Chess.com, combined with Carlsen’s appointment, demonstrates the EWC’s ambition to embrace diverse gaming cultures while driving innovation in their ecosystems.
Chess: An Unconventional Esports Contender
Chess’ entry into the Esports World Cup highlights its rising popularity as a spectator sport. Online tournaments regularly attract hundreds of thousands of viewers, showcasing the game’s enduring appeal and strategic depth. By integrating Chess into the EWC, the foundation seeks to introduce new audiences to the game’s competitive potential while expanding the scope of esports itself.
What This Means for Esports and Chess Fans
The 2025 Esports World Cup is shaping up to be a landmark event, not just for esports but for Chess as well. With a significant prize pool, global attention, and the involvement of a legendary figure like Magnus Carlsen, this initiative is poised to bring Chess to the forefront of competitive gaming. For fans of both esports and chess, this is a unique opportunity to witness a fusion of tradition and innovation.
Stay tuned as more details about the tournament emerge, and prepare for an exciting year where Chess takes its rightful place on the esports stage.
