eSport Stardom: Chess Ascends to Digital Dominion

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

The Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 tournament is making headlines with an unexpected addition: chess! This ancient game joins the ranks of esports, marking a significant milestone for both the world of competitive gaming and the centuries-old strategy game.

Chess Takes Center Stage at the EWC

A groundbreaking collaboration between Chess.com, Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) brings competitive chess to the world's largest gaming and esports festival. This unprecedented move aims to introduce the game to a broader, more mainstream audience.

EWCF CEO Ralf Reichert expressed his excitement, referring to chess as "the ultimate strategy game" and highlighting its historical significance, global reach, and vibrant competitive scene as perfect attributes for the EWC.

GM 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 enthusiastically supports the partnership, believing it will significantly expand the game's reach and inspire future chess players.

Riyadh 2025: A $1.5 Million Showdown

The EWC 2025, set for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 31st to August 3rd, boasts a staggering $1.5 million prize pool. To qualify, players must excel in the 2025 Champions Chess Tour (CCT), held in February and May. The top 12 CCT players, along with four from a "Last Chance Qualifier," will compete for a $300,000 prize pool and a coveted spot in the inaugural chess esports competition.

To enhance appeal to esports fans, the 2025 CCT will feature a modified match format. Instead of the traditional 90-minute time control, games will use a 10-minute clock with no increment. Tiebreakers will be decided by a single Armageddon game.

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

Now, its official recognition as an esport promises to attract even more players and enthusiasts to this timeless game.