Chess in the Esports World cup
Chess Goes Global: A New Era at the Esports World Cup
For the first time ever, chess joined the Esports World Cup (EWC) in 2025, marking a landmark moment for the game’s evolution. This inclusion—backed by Chess.com and the Esports World Cup Foundation—integrates chess into a tournament alongside some of the biggest video games in the world, with a massive $1.5 million prize pool dedicated to the competition Chess.comPR NewswireEsports World Cup. Matches took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 29 to August 1, 2025, turning the spotlight onto chess like never before WikipediaIndiatimesChess.com.
Tournament Structure & Qualification
To ensure the world's best faced off, the Champions Chess Tour (CCT) 2025 served as the main qualification route. Two online tournaments—Chessable Masters (February) and Chess.com Classic (May)—determined twelve participants, while the remaining four spots were filled via a Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) held in Riyadh Chess.comWikipedia+1.
Competition format:
Group Stage: 16 players in four groups, GSL-style double elimination, best-of-2 matches.
Playoffs: 8-player single-elimination bracket—best-of-3 games in quarters and semis, and best-of-5 in the final Wikipedia.
Time Controls & Esports Flavor
To balance strategic depth with broadcast excitement, matches used a 10-minute per side, no-increment rapid format. Tied matches were decided by Armageddon—adding tension, drama, and a clear endpoint suited for esports audiences Chess.comWikipediaEsports World Cup.
The pace even led to the rise of "dirty flagging", where players low on position seconds won on time—a phenomenon that underscored both skill and the unique pressures of online rapid chess Financial TimesThe Guardian.
Chess Meets Esports Teams
In a novel twist, elite grandmasters became representatives for esports organizations:
Magnus Carlsen joined Team Liquid
Hikaru Nakamura signed with Team Falcons
Ian Nepomniachtchi to Aurora Gaming
Other signings included reigning stars like Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Wesley So, and more Chess.comWikipediaForbes.
This team-based structure added an extra layer of competition, linking individual results to club performance.
The Final Showdown & Legacy
Magnus Carlsen emerged victorious—defeating Alireza Firouzja in the final and earning a $250,000 top prize, while boosting Team Liquid in the club standings ReutersWikipediaAftonbladet.
The event set new viewing records, drawing over 30,000 online viewers—more than five times a typical grandmaster-level broadcast—and receiving praise for its smooth presentation and insightful commentary (especially by GM David Howell) Financial TimesThe Guardian.
Why It Matters
Chess’s inclusion in the Esports World Cup blends rich strategic tradition with cutting-edge esports energy. It positions chess as a modern, spectator-friendly sport—reaching new audiences, accelerating digital innovation, and redefining its role within global competitive ecosystems PR NewswireForbesIndiatimes.
Final Thoughts
The Esports World Cup's chess competition was more than just a tournament—it was a full-scale celebration of chess’s digital future. By merging rapid, dramatic formats with esports storytelling and elite gameplay, the EWC showcased the game’s adaptability and enduring strategic brilliance.
