Chess is an eSport Now

The Esports World Cup's 2025 tournament has a surprising new addition: chess! This ancient game joins the ranks of esports, and here's why.

Chess: The Game of Kings Enters the EWC 2025

Officially an Esport

Chess is now an official esport in the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), the world's largest gaming and esports festival. A major partnership between Chess.com, Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) brings competitive chess to the EWC for the first time, exposing this classic game to a wider audience.

EWCF CEO Ralf Reichert expressed his excitement, calling chess "the mother of all strategy games." He added, "With its rich history, global appeal, and thriving competitive scene, chess is a perfect fit for our mission to unite the world's most popular games and their passionate communities."

World champion and top-ranked player Magnus Carlsen will serve as an ambassador, aiming to connect chess with a broader audience. He stated, "I'm thrilled to see chess join some of the biggest games in the world at the Esports World Cup. This partnership is an incredible opportunity to grow the game, introducing chess to new audiences and inspiring the next generation of players."

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Summer 2025

Chess is an eSport Now

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 $1.5 million prize pool. To qualify, players must first compete in the 2025 Champions Chess Tour (CCT) in February and May. The top 12 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 attract a wider, esports-focused audience, the 2025 CCT will feature a new match format. Instead of the traditional 90-minute time control, games will use a 10-minute time control with no increment. Tiebreakers will be decided by a single Armageddon game.

Chess originated in ancient India over 1500 years ago. Its evolution across centuries has established it as a globally popular pastime. The digital realm, particularly through Chess.com, and the rise of esports have broadened its accessibility, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Popular media, including streaming platforms, influencers, and shows like The Queen's Gambit, have further expanded the game's reach.

Its official recognition as an esport promises to attract even more players and enthusiasts.