Chess Elevates to eSport Status

Chess, the timeless game of strategy, is set to make a groundbreaking appearance at the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), marking a historic moment for the sport. Dive into the details of why this ancient game has been embraced as an esport.

Chess, The Game Of Kings, At EWC 2025

Officially Declared An Esport In The Competition

Chess has secured its place among the elite esports at the upcoming 2025 Esports World Cup, the world's premier gaming and esports festival. This exciting development comes from a significant collaboration between Chess.com, the leading online chess platform, Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF). This partnership marks the first time competitive chess will be featured at the EWC, shining a spotlight on this ancient game to a broader audience.

Ralf Reichert, CEO of EWCF, expressed his enthusiasm for including chess in their lineup, describing it as "the mother of all strategy games." He emphasized the significance of showcasing chess at the event, 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."

Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, a retired world champion and currently ranked as the world's number one player, will serve as an ambassador at the event. He shared his excitement about the inclusion of chess at the EWC, saying, "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."

To Be Held In Summer of 2025 in Saudi Arabia

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

To attract a wider audience, especially esports enthusiasts, the 2025 CCT will introduce a new match format. Instead of the traditional 90-minute time control used in world championships, CCT matches will be played with a 10-minute time control for the entire game, without increment. In the event of a tie, a single Armageddon game will determine the winner.

Chess, with origins tracing back to ancient India over 1500 years ago, has evolved through the centuries and is recognized as one of the world's most popular forms of entertainment. The transition of chess to digital platforms like Chess.com has made the game more accessible, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when people were confined to their homes. The game's popularity has been further boosted by multimedia outlets 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 more players and enthusiasts, cementing its place in the modern gaming landscape.