Chess is an eSport Now

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 premier gaming and esports festival, has announced chess as a featured competition. This groundbreaking partnership between Chess.com, Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) will introduce chess to a global audience in a whole new way.

A Historic Moment for Chess

World champion and top-ranked player Magnus Carlsen will serve as an ambassador, aiming to connect chess with a broader audience. Carlsen expressed his enthusiasm, stating the partnership offers a fantastic opportunity to grow the game, attract new players, and inspire future generations.

Riyadh 2025: A $1.5 Million Showdown

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will host the EWC from July 31st to August 3rd, 2025. Top chess players from around the world will compete for a substantial $1.5 million prize pool. Qualification will be 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 vie for a $300,000 prize pool and a spot in the EWC, marking chess's inaugural esports appearance.

To engage a wider esports audience, the 2025 CCT will feature a modified format. Instead of the traditional 90-minute time control, matches will use a 10-minute time limit with no increment. Tiebreakers will be decided by a single Armageddon game.

Chess, with origins tracing back 1500 years to ancient India, has evolved over centuries into a globally popular pastime. The shift to digital platforms like Chess.com and the rise of esports have broadened its accessibility, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The game's popularity has also been boosted by media coverage, streaming, influencers, and shows such as "The Queen's Gambit." Its official recognition as an esport promises to attract even more players and fans.