eSports Arena Expands: Chess Crowned as Digital Contender

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

The Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 tournament lineup has a surprising new addition: chess! This ancient game joins the ranks of esports, marking a significant milestone in its history. Let's explore this unexpected but exciting development.

Chess Officially Crowned an Esport

The world's largest gaming and esports festival will feature competitive chess for the very first time. A major collaboration between Chess.com, Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has made this historic inclusion possible. This partnership aims to introduce the strategic game to a wider, more mainstream audience.

EWCF CEO Ralf Reichert expressed his excitement, calling chess "the mother of all strategy games." He emphasized that chess's rich history, global appeal, and vibrant competitive scene align perfectly with the EWC's mission to unite global gaming communities.

Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, a retired world champion and current world number one, will serve as an ambassador for the event, aiming to connect chess with a broader demographic. He expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to introduce chess to new audiences and inspire future generations of players.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Hosts the 2025 Chess Esports Debut

The EWC 2025 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 31st to August 3rd, 2025. Top chess players from around the world will compete for a substantial $1.5 million USD prize pool.

Qualification for the EWC will involve participation in the 2025 Champions Chess Tour (CCT) in February and May. The top 12 players from the CCT, along with four additional players from a "Last Chance Qualifier," will advance to the EWC, vying for a $300,000 USD prize pool and the chance to compete in chess's inaugural esports appearance.

To enhance the appeal to esports fans, the 2025 CCT will feature a revised match format. Instead of the traditional 90-minute time control, games will use a 10-minute time limit with no increment. Tiebreakers will be decided by a single Armageddon game.

Chess, originating in ancient India over 1500 years ago, has evolved over centuries and remains a globally popular pastime. Its transition to the digital realm, facilitated by platforms like Chess.com, and its subsequent embrace by the esports community, has broadened its reach significantly. The pandemic further accelerated this growth, while media exposure through streaming, influencers, and shows like "The Queen's Gambit" have also contributed to its increased popularity.

With its official recognition as an esport, chess is poised for even greater growth and engagement.