eSports Crown New Conqueror: Chess

Chess Enters the Esports Arena: A Historic Moment at EWC 2025

The 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) has made a groundbreaking announcement: chess, a game with millennia of history, will be featured as an esport. This unprecedented move is the result of a significant collaboration between Chess.com, Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF).

Chess Takes Center Stage

This inclusion marks the first time competitive chess will be part of the EWC, the world's premier gaming and esports festival. EWCF CEO Ralf Reichert hailed chess as "the mother of all strategy games," emphasizing its global appeal and competitive scene as a perfect fit for the EWC's mission.

World champion and top-ranked player Magnus Carlsen will serve as an ambassador, aiming to introduce chess to a broader audience and inspire future generations of players. He expressed his excitement about chess joining the ranks of other major 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, with 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 vie for a $300,000 prize pool and a coveted spot in the EWC.

To enhance the appeal to esports fans, the CCT will utilize a faster, more dynamic format. Matches will feature a 10-minute time control with no increment, and Armageddon tiebreakers will be used.

Chess, originating in ancient India over 1500 years ago, has captivated players across generations. Its digital adaptation, particularly through platforms like Chess.com, has broadened its reach, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The game's popularity has also been boosted by media exposure, including streaming platforms and shows like "The Queen's Gambit."

This official recognition as an esport promises to attract even more players and enthusiasts to the ancient game of kings.