Chess Makes its Esports Debut at the 2025 Esports World Cup!
The ancient game of chess is making history. Get ready for a surprising addition to the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) lineup: chess! This unexpected inclusion marks a significant milestone for the millennia-old strategy game.
A groundbreaking collaboration between Chess.com, chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) brings competitive chess to the world's largest gaming and esports festival. This partnership aims to introduce chess to a broader audience and elevate its profile within the global esports community.
EWCF CEO Ralf Reichert hailed chess as "the mother of all strategy games," expressing excitement about its inclusion. He emphasized chess's historical significance, global appeal, and vibrant competitive scene as a perfect fit for the EWC's mission to unite diverse gaming communities.
World champion and top-ranked player Magnus Carlsen will serve as an ambassador, hoping to connect with a wider audience and inspire future generations of chess players. He expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to showcase chess alongside established esports titles.
The EWC 2025, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 31st to August 3rd, will feature a substantial $1.5 million prize pool. To qualify, players must excel in 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's inaugural chess competition.
The CCT will feature a faster, more esports-friendly format: 10-minute games with no increment, followed by an Armageddon tiebreaker if necessary. This departure from traditional time controls aims to enhance the viewing experience for esports fans.
Chess, originating in ancient India over 1500 years ago, has captivated generations. Its digital adaptation, fueled by platforms like Chess.com and popular culture (e.g., The Queen's Gambit), has broadened its appeal. Now, its official recognition as an esport promises to attract even more players and fans worldwide.
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