Chess is an eSport Now

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

The Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 tournament has made a surprising, yet exciting, announcement: chess will be featured as an esport! This ancient game joins the ranks of modern esports, marking a significant milestone in its long and storied history.

Chess Officially Recognized as an EWC Esport

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

EWCF CEO Ralf Reichert expressed his excitement, referring to chess as "the mother of all strategy games." He emphasized that chess's rich history, global appeal, and vibrant competitive scene perfectly align with the EWC's mission to unite popular games and their communities.

World champion and top-ranked player Magnus Carlsen will serve as an ambassador, aiming to connect chess with a wider audience and inspire future generations of players. He expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to showcase chess alongside established esports titles.

Riyadh 2025: A $1.5 Million Showdown

The EWC 2025 chess competition will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 31st to August 3rd, boasting a substantial $1.5 million prize pool. To qualify, players must achieve high rankings 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 spot in the EWC's inaugural chess event.

To enhance the appeal to esports fans, the 2025 CCT will feature a faster-paced format. Matches will use a 10-minute time control with no increment, and tiebreakers will be decided by a single Armageddon game.

Chess, with roots tracing back 1500 years to ancient India, has evolved over centuries. Its digital adaptation, particularly through platforms like Chess.com, has broadened its reach, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further popularization has come from streaming services, influencers, and shows like "The Queen's Gambit."

Now, with its official recognition as an esport, chess is poised for even greater growth and popularity.