Chess Makes its Esports Debut at the 2025 Esports World Cup
The 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) has made a surprising announcement: chess, the ancient game of strategy, will be featured as an esport! This groundbreaking decision brings a centuries-old pastime into the modern world of competitive gaming.
Chess Officially Joins the EWC Lineup
This unprecedented partnership between Chess.com, chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) will introduce competitive chess to a global audience at the world's largest gaming and esports festival. EWCF CEO Ralf Reichert hailed chess as "the mother of all strategy games," emphasizing its historical significance, global reach, and vibrant competitive scene as a perfect addition to the EWC.
Magnus Carlsen, a retired world champion and current world number one, will serve as an ambassador, aiming to broaden chess's appeal to a wider audience. He expressed his excitement about this opportunity to introduce chess to new players and inspire future generations.
Riyadh 2025: A $1.5 Million Showdown
The EWC 2025, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from July 31st to August 3rd, will feature a $1.5 million prize pool. To qualify, players must compete in the 2025 Champions Chess Tour (CCT) 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's inaugural chess competition.
To engage a broader esports audience, the 2025 CCT will utilize a faster, more dynamic format. Matches will feature a 10-minute time control without increment, with Armageddon tiebreakers.
Chess, originating in ancient India over 1500 years ago, has evolved across generations. Its digital adaptation, particularly through platforms like Chess.com, has significantly broadened its accessibility, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Popular culture, including streaming, influencers, and shows like "The Queen's Gambit," has further propelled the game's popularity.
This official recognition as an esport promises to attract even more players and fans, ushering in a new era for this classic game.
