eSports Industry Now Welcomes Chess

Chess Enters the Esports Arena: A Historic Move for the EWC 2025

The Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 has made a groundbreaking announcement: chess, a game with millennia of history, will be featured as an esport. This collaboration between Chess.com, Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) marks a significant moment for the game, bringing it to a wider, more global audience.

Chess Officially Recognized as an EWC Esport

EWCF CEO Ralf Reichert hailed chess as "the mother of all strategy games," expressing immense excitement about its inclusion. He emphasized chess's global appeal and competitive spirit as a perfect fit for the EWC's mission to unite diverse gaming communities.

Magnus Carlsen, a retired world champion and current world number one, will serve as an ambassador, aiming to introduce chess to a new generation of players. He expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership and its potential to expand the game's reach.

Riyadh 2025: A $1.5 Million Showdown

The EWC 2025, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 31st to August 3rd, will feature a $1.5 million prize pool. Qualification will be determined through the 2025 Champions Chess Tour (CCT) 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 spot in the EWC's inaugural chess competition.

To enhance the appeal to esports fans, the CCT will utilize a faster, more dynamic format: 10-minute games with no increment, and Armageddon tiebreakers.

Chess, originating in ancient India over 1500 years ago, has evolved into a globally recognized pastime. Its digital adaptation, particularly through platforms like Chess.com, and increased media exposure (e.g., The Queen's Gambit) have broadened its appeal. Its official recognition as an esport promises to further accelerate its growth and attract new players.