Chess is an eSport Now

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

The Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 tournament has made a surprising, yet exciting, announcement: chess will be featured as an esport! This ancient game's inclusion marks a significant milestone for both the chess and esports worlds.

Chess Officially Joins the Esports World Cup

A groundbreaking partnership between Chess.com, Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has brought competitive chess to the EWC for the first time. This collaboration aims to introduce the classic game to a wider, more mainstream audience.

EWCF CEO, Ralf Reichert, expressed his excitement, calling chess "the mother of all strategy games." He highlighted its global appeal and thriving competitive scene as a perfect fit for the EWC's mission to unite diverse gaming communities.

Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, a retired world champion and current world number one, will serve as an ambassador, aiming to connect chess with a new generation of players. He emphasized the opportunity to expand the game's reach and inspire future chess enthusiasts.

Riyadh 2025: A $1.5 Million Showdown

The EWC 2025 event, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 31st to August 3rd, boasts a substantial $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 coveted spot in the EWC, making history as the inaugural chess esports competitors.

To enhance the appeal to esports fans, the 2025 CCT will utilize a faster-paced format. Matches will feature a 10-minute time control with no increment, a departure from the traditional longer time controls of world championships. Tiebreakers will be decided by a single Armageddon game.

With roots tracing back 1500 years to ancient India, chess has evolved over centuries, becoming a globally recognized pastime. Its digital adaptation, facilitated by platforms like Chess.com, broadened its accessibility, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The game's popularity has also been boosted by media exposure through streaming, influencers, and shows like "The Queen's Gambit."

Its official recognition as an esport promises to attract even more players and fans, solidifying chess's place in the modern gaming landscape.