The Esports World Cup Foundation, the organiser of the Esports World Cup, has announced a multi-year partnership with online chess platform Chess.com.
As a result, Chess will be included in the Esports World Cup 2025 line-up and will have a $1.5m (~£1.18m) tournament. Players will qualify for the event through the Champions Chess Tour (CCT).
In addition, Grandmaster chess player Magnus Carlsen has become an ambassador of the game at the EWC.
Chess, more specifically the digital version of the game made popular by platforms such as Chess.com, is the first announced title to make its debut at the 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh.
While not an esports title per se, Chess is growing in popularity as an interesting alternative to ‘classic’ esports games. Chess tournaments are regularly streamed online and see hundreds of thousands of peak viewers.
Interested players will be able to qualify for the 2025 Esports World Cup event through the Champions Chess Tour, a series of events organised by Chess.com. The tournament organiser said that there will be two events in 2025 that will qualify players for the EWC, and the top 12 CCT players will receive invitations.
A last-chance qualifier will also be held for amateur and pro players in Riyadh.
Magnus Carlsen, one of the most-known professional chess players in the scene today, will help promote the tournament. According to a release, Carlsen will “help connect chess with the broader esports community.” Carlsen added that the EWC is an amazing opportunity to showcase chess to a wide group of esports fans.
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, commented: “It’s the perfect example of how games evolve: from boards to screens, the core competition stays the same. Chess’ rich history, global appeal, and thriving competitive scene make it a perfect fit for our mission to unite the world’s most popular games and their passionate communities under one competitive umbrella.
“Partnering with the leading online platform for the game, Chess.com, and appointing the legendary Magnus Carlsen, a true GOAT of the sport, as the game’s ambassador, allows us to not only showcase Chess on a massive stage but also to drive innovation and growth within its already vibrant ecosystem. “
