Bengaluru: Chess is set to make its first appearance at the 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has teamed up with Chess.com in a multi-year deal to introduce competitive online chess to the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), with the world’s top player and former champion Magnus Carlsen serving as the global ambassador.

Through this partnership, the Champions Chess Tour (CCT) will be the main route for players to qualify for the EWC championship event. In 2025, there will be two online Tour events held in February and May, featuring a total prize pool of $300,000.

Ralf Reichert, the CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, shared his excitement about introducing chess, a game with a 1,500-year history, to the Esports World Cup. He highlighted how this move showcases the evolution of games, transitioning from physical boards to digital screens while maintaining the essence of competition. With chess's deep roots, worldwide popularity, and active competitive scene, it aligns perfectly with their goal of bringing together the most beloved games and their dedicated communities.

He also mentioned the partnership with Chess.com, the top online platform for chess, and the appointment of Magnus Carlsen, a true legend in the sport, as the game’s ambassador. This collaboration not only aims to elevate chess on a grand scale but also to foster innovation and growth within its dynamic community. The team is excited to see how clubs will take on this new opportunity.

The top 12 players from the CCT will get invites to the EWC Chess tournament happening from July 31 to August 3, 2025. There will also be a Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) in Riyadh, open to both amateurs and pros, which will fill the last four spots in the competition. Players will battle it out for a slice of the $1.5 million prize pool and earn points for the Esports World Cup Club Championship.

Games will be played in the fast-paced 10+0 Chess format, allowing for quick matches that still highlight the players' strategic skills. If a match ends in a tie, a single Armageddon game will serve as the tiebreaker.

“I’m super excited to see chess join the ranks of the biggest games at the Esports World Cup,” said Carlsen. “This collaboration is a fantastic chance to expand the game, bringing chess to new fans and inspiring future players. Being part of the esports community is a great way for chess to reach a huge audience of esports enthusiasts.”

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