Chess is being introduced into the Esports World Cup for the first time in 2025 in groundbreaking collaboration with Chess.com. Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura will participate for the first time in the Esports World Cup, one of the largest gaming events featuring the most popular games, such as League of Legends, Counter-Strike, and Dota 2.
The first edition was held in Riyaddh, Saudi Arabia, in 2024, and some of the biggest gaming teams participated.
Announcements
In December 2024, Chess.com announced that chess would make its historic debut at the Esports World Cup 2025.
For the first time in their chess careers, top players like Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Fabiano Caruana would headline the event. In preparation for the ground-breaking event, top players based on chess ratings have been signed to various esports teams.
The Esports arena is evolving, and the latest milestone is the inclusion of chess in the Esports World Cup 2025, which will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The tournament will have a $1.5 million prize pool.
This milestone marks the debut of the acclaimed intellectual game of chess as a digital sport.
Qualification Criteria
The road to the Esports World Cup 2025 promises as much thrill as the main event. Players from around the globe will compete for tournament wins and a chance to secure their spot in the Esports World Cup.
The 2025 Champions Chess Tour is scheduled to act as a qualification event, as it is open to all Grandmasters.
The Chessable Masters began on February 16 and is one of two upcoming tournaments leading into the Esports World Cup. The top 12 players from the Champions Chess Tour will get to play in the Esport World Cup.
With the tour and the eventual Esport World Cup featuring a 10+0 time control, we are in for some high-stakes action.
Main Event
The main event of the Esports World Cup 2025 is poised to be a spectacular show of strategy, skill, and digital innovation.
A Hybrid Spectacle
Although chess is not new to the realm of spectator sports, events like the Speed Chess Championship come to mind regarding spectacles.
Chess at the Esport World Cup is definitely going to be a celebration of growth and the culmination of the online chess boom. Chess Esports—a term that captures the spirit of combining traditional chess with the fast-paced environment of digital online chess.
The hybrid nature of the event not only highlights chess as a sport but also brings into the spotlight the competitive and drama-filled nature of the game.
Like various other esports games, Spectators can expect:
- High-definition broadcasts: With an immersive commentary and expert analysis and insights.
- Real-time Statistics: Offering insights into players’ performance, game trends, and historical comparison on broadcast platforms like Chess.com and the Take Take Take App.
The Format and Key Details
While the specifics regarding the tournament details are still unclear as of writing time, indications suggest that the tournament will feature multiple rounds of play, including a group stage (possibly Swiss), knockout rounds, and a grand finale.
Regardless of the modality, it’s certain that each round will test the player’s endurance, tactical depth, and ability to adapt and handle time pressure.
Players Recently Signed into Esports Teams
Perhaps the most talked-about aspect of the Esports World Cup 2025 is the World’s top Grandmasters, who have recently been signing with prominent esports teams.
This move signifies a strategic shift in the careers of these grandmasters as they embrace the digital era and the evolving landscape of competitive chess.
Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana – Team Liquid
We definitely agree with Team Liquid co-CEO Steve Arhancet, who expressed enthusiasm about the signing, stating, “We are entering chess with the absolute best players because winning is critical to our mission.”
Magnus Carlsen, a five-time Classical World Chess Champion and current world number one, joined the esports organization alongside Fabiano Caruana, a World Championship Challenger.
This strategic move solidifies Team Liquid’s presence in the chess segment of the EWC, and given the players’ playing strength, the signing makes them a favorite to win.
Hikaru Nakamura – Team Falcon
Although Hikaru is not a stranger to signing Esports partnerships, he is now signed with Team Falcons ahead of the Esports World Cup in Riyadh.
He was one of the first players to sign with an Esport team, joining TSM (Team SoloMid) in 2020 and, in 2022, partnering with Misfits Gaming as a content creator. Knowing Hikaru’s prowess in fast-paced time control, all eyes are on Team Falcon.
Ding Liren – LGD Gaming
The 17th World Champion from China was also announced to have joined LGD Gaming, a popular Chinese esports team in his hometown of Hangzhou.
The partnership marked his return to competitive chess in 2025. He is set to play various play-ins, hoping to qualify for the Esports World Cup later this year.
Wei Yi – Weibo Gaming
Wei Yi from China is another Grandmaster who announced his signing with the Esports Organization Weibo Gaming.
Since his return to competitive play, Wei Yi has had an impressive run and even won the play-in event in the Chessable Masters, ahead of hundreds of Grandmasters. Weibo Gaming is another team we will be keeping an eye on.
Arjun Erigaisi – Gen.G Gaming
Following an online announcement, the Indian Super Grandmaster, currently ranked fourth globally and one of the few members of the 2800 club, has signed with Gen.G.
This partnership marks a significant collaboration between traditional chess and esports, and it is set to enhance Gen. G’s competitive edge in the upcoming EWC.
Volodar Murzin – A G Global
Coming off his impressive win as the World Rapid Chess Champion in 2025, the young Russian talent has been recruited by All Gamers Global, becoming one of the first chess players to align with an esports organization.
This signing continues the growing trend of esports teams investing in top players.
Maxime Vachier-Lagrave – Team Vitality
Another top player announced to have been signed is Frenchman Maxime Vachier Lagrave—who remains one of the most tactical players in the World.
However, he might have narrowly missed the first qualification shot for the Esports World Cup after losing an Armageddon match to Sam Sevian in the Chessable Masters.
Other Signings
Various other top players have also been announced, including:
- Wesley So – Team NOVA
- Oleksandr Bortnyk – Team NOVA
- Nodirbek Abdussatorov – Team NOVA
- Alireza Firouzja – Team Falcons
Conclusion
The Esports World Cup 2025 is set to redefine the boundaries between traditional chess and digital competition.
With elite Grandmasters such as Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Ding Liren joining leading esports organizations, the event not only celebrates the intellectual rigor of chess but also embraces the digital age.
Hosted in Riyadh and with a $1.5 million prize pool, this historic debut offers fans a unique blend of high-stakes strategy, innovative broadcasting, and dynamic team rivalries. It presents another avenue for grandmasters to earn from chess.
As traditional chess meets the fast-paced world of esports, the tournament heralds a transformative era—one where the timeless appeal of chess is elevated by technology and global competition, promising unforgettable moments for players and spectators alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Many Games Will Be Played at the Esports World Cup 2025?
While the exact number of games is yet to be finalized, early reports suggest that the tournament will feature multiple rounds, including group stages, knockout rounds, and a final match to determine the champion. The detailed schedule will be released as the event draws closer.
How Can I Play Chess in the Esports World Cup 2025?
Participation is open to top players who meet the rigorous qualification criteria. Qualification is through the Champions Chess Tour; the top 12 participants from the tour qualify for the event in Saudi Arabia.
Which Esports Team Did Magnus Carlsen Sign For?
Magnus Carlsen signed with Team Liquid, marking a significant evolution in his career as he combines traditional chess with modern esports.
Which Esports Team Did Hikaru Nakamura Sign For?
Hikaru Nakamura has joined Team Falcon, as confirmed by Hikaru and Team Falcons on social media.
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