The Esports World Cup (EWC) is making history by welcoming chess into its 2025 lineup, signaling a bold expansion into strategic and intellectual gaming. Thanks to a multi-year partnership with Chess.com, the world’s most popular online chess platform, the classic game will feature a $1.5 million (~£1.18 million) tournament, marking its debut on the global esports stage in Riyadh.
Magnus Carlsen, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time, has been appointed as the ambassador for chess at the EWC. Carlsen will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the traditional chess community and esports fans worldwide. Speaking about the collaboration, Carlsen expressed excitement, calling it “an amazing opportunity to showcase chess to a wide group of esports fans.”
Chess will be the first confirmed title for the EWC 2025, with players earning their spots through Chess.com’s Champions Chess Tour (CCT). The CCT will feature two qualifying events in 2025, with the top 12 players receiving direct invitations to the EWC. Additionally, a last-chance qualifier in Riyadh will offer amateur and professional players another pathway to compete for the coveted championship title.
This collaboration highlights chess’ growing appeal as a digital competition. Platforms like Chess.com have made the game accessible to millions, with tournaments regularly attracting hundreds of thousands of viewers online. While chess may not be a traditional esports title, its strategic depth, competitive intensity, and global audience align with the EWC’s mission to unite diverse gaming communities under a shared banner.
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, emphasized the cultural and competitive significance of this move. “It’s the perfect example of how games evolve: from boards to screens, the core competition stays the same,” he said. “Chess’ rich history, global appeal, and thriving competitive scene make it a perfect fit for our mission to unite the world’s most popular games.”
This partnership also positions Chess.com as a key player in esports, leveraging its platform to integrate chess into mainstream competitive gaming. By combining chess’ timeless appeal with the innovation and global reach of esports, the EWC is poised to redefine the boundaries of competitive gaming.
As the gaming world eagerly anticipates the Esports World Cup 2025, chess fans have much to celebrate. With Carlsen leading the charge, chess is set to captivate a new generation of esports enthusiasts, blending tradition with modernity on one of the biggest competitive stages in gaming history.
