E-sports Frontiers Expand: Chess Earns Recognition

Chess Makes its Esports Debut at the 2025 Esports World Cup!

The ancient game of chess is stepping into the modern world of esports. The 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), the world's largest gaming and esports festival, has announced chess as a featured esport. This unprecedented move is the result of a significant partnership between Chess.com, Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF).

EWCF CEO Ralf Reichert hailed chess as "the mother of all strategy games," expressing excitement about its inclusion in the EWC. He highlighted chess's rich history, global appeal, and vibrant competitive scene as perfectly aligning with the EWC's mission to unite global gaming communities.

World champion and top-ranked player Magnus Carlsen will serve as an ambassador, aiming to introduce chess to a broader audience and inspire future generations of players. He expressed his enthusiasm about chess joining other leading esports at the EWC, seeing it as a pivotal opportunity for the game's growth.

The EWC 2025 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 31st to August 3rd, boasting 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, marking chess's historic esports debut.

To enhance appeal to esports fans, the 2025 CCT will feature a new 10-minute time control format for matches, replacing the traditional 90-minute format. Armageddon tiebreakers will be used to determine winners.

Chess, originating in ancient India over 1500 years ago, has evolved into a globally popular pastime. Its digital adaptation, particularly through platforms like Chess.com, has broadened its accessibility, further fueled by the pandemic and popular media such as streaming services and shows like "The Queen's Gambit." This official recognition as an esport promises to attract even more players and fans.