Chess Makes its Esports Debut at the 2025 Esports World Cup
The Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 tournament lineup has a surprising new addition: chess! This ancient game joins the ranks of esports, and we'll explore the reasons behind this historic move.
Chess Takes Center Stage at EWC 2025
The world's largest gaming and esports festival, the EWC, will feature competitive chess for the first time in 2025. This groundbreaking inclusion is the result of a significant collaboration between Chess.com, Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF). The partnership aims to introduce this classic game to a wider, more mainstream audience.
EWCF CEO Ralf Reichert expressed his excitement, referring to chess as "the ultimate strategy game." He believes chess's rich history, global appeal, and vibrant competitive scene perfectly align with the EWC's mission to unite the world's most popular games and their communities.
Chess legend and reigning world number one, GM Magnus Carlsen, will serve as an ambassador, hoping to connect chess with a new generation of fans. He stated, "I'm delighted to see chess alongside some of the world's biggest esports titles. This partnership presents a fantastic opportunity to grow the game, attracting new players and inspiring future champions."
Riyadh 2025: A $1.5 Million Showdown
The EWC will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 31st to August 3rd, 2025. Top chess players from around the globe will compete for a staggering $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, marking chess's inaugural esports appearance.
To enhance the appeal for esports fans, the 2025 CCT will utilize a new, faster format. Matches will feature a 10-minute time control with no increment, a departure from the traditional 90-minute format of world championships. Tiebreakers will be decided by a single Armageddon game.
With roots tracing back 1500 years to ancient India, chess has endured through the ages, evolving into a globally loved pastime. Its transition to digital platforms like Chess.com and, now, esports has broadened its reach, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Popular media, including streaming services, influencers, and shows like The Queen's Gambit, have further amplified its global presence. Its official recognition as an esport promises to attract even more players and fans.
