Chess Officially Recognized as an eSport

Chess, the timeless game of strategy, has been officially added to the lineup of the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), marking a historic moment for the sport. Dive into the details of why this ancient game is making its debut in the world of esports.

Chess, The Game Of Kings, At EWC 2025

Officially Declared An Esport In The Competition

Chess is set to make its grand entrance at the 2025 Esports World Cup, the premier global gaming and esports festival. This groundbreaking inclusion is the result of a significant collaboration between Chess.com, the leading online chess platform, Grandmaster (GM) Magnus Carlsen, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF). This partnership aims to spotlight competitive chess to a broader audience.

Ralf Reichert, CEO of EWCF, expressed his excitement about adding chess to the event, describing it as "the mother of all strategy games." He emphasized the game's rich history, global appeal, and vibrant competitive scene, making it an ideal addition to the EWC's mission to unite the world's most popular games and their passionate communities.

GM Magnus Carlsen, a retired world champion and currently the world's top-ranked player, will serve as an ambassador at the event. He is eager to bridge the gap between chess and the wider public, stating, "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 feature the world's top chess players competing for a substantial prize pool of $1.5 million USD. To qualify for the EWC, players must first compete in the online 2025 Champions Chess Tour (CCT), held 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 esports debut.

To attract a broader audience, especially esports enthusiasts, the 2025 CCT will introduce a new format. Instead of the traditional 90-minute time control used in world championships, matches will be played with a 10-minute time control for the entire game, with no increment. In the event of a tie, a single Armageddon game will determine the winner.

Chess, with origins tracing back to ancient India 1500 years ago, has evolved over centuries and remains one of the world's most popular forms of entertainment. Its transition 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, including 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, cementing its place in the modern gaming landscape.