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 a groundbreaking addition to its tournament lineup: chess. This unprecedented move is the result of a significant collaboration between Chess.com, Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF).
Chess Enters the EWC Arena
This partnership marks the first time competitive chess will be featured in the EWC, exposing this classic strategy game to a wider, global audience. EWCF CEO Ralf Reichert hailed chess as "the mother of all strategy games," expressing excitement over its inclusion and its potential to unite diverse gaming communities.
Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, a retired world champion and current world number one, will serve as an ambassador for chess at the event. Carlsen expressed his enthusiasm, stating the partnership presents a unique opportunity to introduce chess to new audiences and inspire future generations of players.
Riyadh 2025: A $1.5 Million Showdown
The EWC will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 31st to August 3rd, 2025. Top chess players will compete for a substantial $1.5 million prize pool. 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 battle for a $300,000 prize pool and a coveted spot in the EWC, marking chess's historic esports debut.
To enhance the appeal to esports fans, the 2025 CCT will feature a modified format. Matches will use a 10-minute time control with no increment, a departure from the traditional 90-minute format used in world championships. Tiebreakers will be decided by a single Armageddon game.
With roots tracing back 1500 years to ancient India, chess has endured as a globally popular pastime. Its digital adaptation, facilitated by platforms like Chess.com, and the rise of esports have broadened its reach, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Media coverage, including streaming platforms and shows like "The Queen's Gambit," have further contributed to its growing popularity. This official recognition as an esport promises to attract even more players and enthusiasts to the game.
