E-Chess: A Revolutionary Leap for Esports

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

The Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 tournament is making waves with its surprising inclusion of chess, a game with a history spanning millennia. This article explores the reasons behind this groundbreaking decision.

Chess Takes Center Stage at the EWC

The prestigious EWC, the world's largest gaming and esports festival, will feature competitive chess for the very first time. This monumental partnership between Chess.com, Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) aims to introduce this classic game to a wider, more modern audience.

EWCF CEO Ralf Reichert expressed his excitement, calling chess "the ultimate strategy game" and emphasizing the perfect synergy between the game's rich history and the EWC's mission to unite global gaming communities.

Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, a retired world champion and current world number one, will act as an ambassador, hoping to connect chess with a new generation of players. He expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity to expand the game's reach and inspire future chess players.

Riyadh 2025: A $1.5 Million Showdown

The EWC will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 31st to August 3rd, 2025. Top chess players from around the world will compete for a staggering $1.5 million prize pool. Qualification will be through 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 battle for a $300,000 prize pool and a spot in this historic esports debut.

To enhance appeal to esports fans, the 2025 CCT will use a faster 10-minute time control per game, replacing the traditional 90-minute format. Armageddon tiebreakers will be used.

With roots in ancient India, chess has evolved over 1500 years, becoming a globally beloved pastime. Its digital adaptation, particularly through platforms like Chess.com, broadened its accessibility, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The game's popularity has also been boosted by streaming, influencers, and shows like "The Queen's Gambit."

Now, its official recognition as an esport promises to attract even more players and enthusiasts to this timeless game.