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 is officially an esport! This ancient game joins the ranks of modern 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 partnership 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 collaboration aims to introduce the game to a wider, more mainstream audience, capitalizing on chess's global popularity and established competitive scene.
EWCF CEO Ralf Reichert hailed chess as "the mother of all strategy games," expressing his excitement at its inclusion. He highlighted chess's rich history and global appeal as perfect complements to the EWC's mission of uniting diverse gaming communities.
Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, a retired world champion and current world number one, will serve as an ambassador, striving to connect chess with a new generation of players. He expressed his enthusiasm for this opportunity to expand the game's reach and inspire future chess champions.
Riyadh Hosts the Inaugural Chess Esports Championship
The EWC 2025, set for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 31st to August 3rd, will feature a $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 EWC, marking chess's historic esports debut.
To enhance the appeal to esports fans, the 2025 CCT will adopt a new, faster format. Matches will utilize a 10-minute time control with no increment, replacing the traditional 90-minute format. Armageddon games will decide tiebreakers.
With roots tracing back 1500 years to ancient India, chess has endured through centuries, evolving into a globally beloved pastime. The rise of online platforms like Chess.com and the increased accessibility during the COVID-19 pandemic, further amplified by media attention and popular culture, has broadened its appeal. Its official recognition as an esport promises to attract even more players and fans.
