Chess Gains eSport Status

The Esports World Cup has made a groundbreaking announcement by adding chess to its 2025 tournament lineup. Discover the reasons behind the inclusion of this ancient game in the modern esports arena.

Chess, The Game Of Kings, At EWC 2025

Officially Declared An Esport In The Competition

Chess has been officially recognized as an esport and will be featured in the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), marking a significant milestone for the game. This historic inclusion is the result of a strategic partnership between Chess.com, the world's leading online chess platform, Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF). This collaboration aims to bring the strategic depth of chess to a broader audience.

Ralf Reichert, CEO of EWCF, expressed his excitement about the addition of chess, describing it as "the mother of all strategy games." He emphasized the game's rich history, global appeal, and thriving competitive scene, stating, "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."

Retired world champion and current world number one, GM Magnus Carlsen, will serve as an ambassador at the event. He is eager to bridge the gap between chess and the wider gaming community. "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, by introducing chess to new audiences and inspiring the next generation of players," Carlsen remarked.

To Be Held In Summer of 2025 in Saudi Arabia

The event is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 31st to August 3rd, 2025. It will feature top chess players from around the world competing for a substantial prize pool of $1.5 million USD. To participate in the EWC, players must first qualify through the 2025 Champions Chess Tour (CCT), which will be held online in February and May. The top 12 players from the CCT, along with four additional players from the "Last Chance Qualifier," will vie for a $300,000 USD prize pool and a coveted spot at the EWC, marking chess's historic debut in the esports world.

To attract a wider audience, especially esports enthusiasts, the 2025 CCT will adopt a new format with a time control of 10 minutes per game, without increments. In the event of a tie, a single Armageddon game will determine the winner.

Chess, originating in ancient India over 1500 years ago, has evolved through the centuries and remains one of the world's most popular forms of entertainment. The transition of chess to the digital realm, particularly through platforms like Chess.com, has made the game more accessible, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The game's visibility has been further enhanced by popular media such as streaming platforms, influencers, and shows like The Queen's Gambit.

With chess now officially recognized as an esport, it is poised to attract even more players and enthusiasts, further expanding its reach and influence in the global gaming community.