Chess Enters the Esports Arena: A Historic Moment at EWC 2025
The 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) has made a surprising, yet exciting, announcement: chess, the ancient game of strategy, will be featured as an esport! This groundbreaking decision brings a centuries-old pastime into the modern world of competitive gaming.
A landmark partnership between Chess.com, chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) will see competitive chess debut at the EWC, the world's largest gaming and esports festival. This collaboration aims to introduce the game to a wider, more mainstream audience.
EWCF CEO Ralf Reichert expressed his enthusiasm, calling chess "the ultimate strategy game" and highlighting its global appeal and thriving competitive scene as a perfect fit for the EWC.
World champion and top-ranked player Magnus Carlsen will serve as an ambassador, aiming to connect chess with a new generation of fans. He emphasized the opportunity to expand the game's reach and inspire future players.
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 massive $1.5 million prize pool. Qualification will be determined through the 2025 Champions Chess Tour (CCT), with the top 12 players from February and May tournaments, plus four from a "Last Chance Qualifier," vying for a $300,000 prize pool and a spot in the EWC.
To attract a broader esports audience, the 2025 CCT will feature a revised format. Matches will use a 10-minute time control with no increment, a change from the traditional 90-minute format of world championships. Tiebreakers will be decided by a single Armageddon game.
Chess, with roots in ancient India over 1500 years ago, has evolved over centuries. Its digital adaptation, particularly through platforms like Chess.com, and its growing presence in esports, has significantly broadened its reach, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Popular media, including streaming, influencers, and shows like The Queen's Gambit, have also contributed to its increased popularity.
With its official recognition as an esport, chess is poised for even greater growth and engagement.
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