The Esports World Cup 2025 will feature chess for the first time, creating a major milestone in blending traditional board games with competitive esports. This move expands opportunities for chess enthusiasts and brings the game to a vast esports audience.
Top Esports Teams and Their Elite Chess Players
Leading esports organizations have strategically signed some of the world’s top grandmasters to represent them in this groundbreaking event:
- Team Liquid: Secured the talents of five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen and four-time U.S. Champion Fabiano Caruana, underscoring their commitment to dominate the chess arena.
- Team Falcons: Enlisted Iranian-French Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja and renowned streamer and Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura, blending traditional mastery with modern flair.
- NAVI: Brought on board Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Wesley So, and Oleksandr Bortnyk, showcasing a diverse and formidable lineup.
- Aurora: Signed Russian Grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi, adding significant strength to their roster.
- LGD Gaming: Welcomed World Champion Ding Liren, reflecting their ambition in the chess segment.
- Gen.G Esports: Integrated Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi, highlighting the global appeal of the event.
- Team Vitality: Added French Grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, known for his aggressive playing style.
- Weibo: Signed Chinese prodigy Wei Yi, aiming to make a significant impact.
- AG Global: Brought in young talent Volodar Murzin, showcasing a focus on emerging players.
- Wolves Esports: Signed Chinese Grandmaster Yu Yangyi, marking their entry into competitive chess.
Event Details: Schedule, Prize Pool, and Format
The Esports World Cup 2025 is scheduled from July 31 to August 3 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The chess segment boasts a substantial prize pool of $1.5 million, reflecting the event’s prestige.
Matches will follow a rapid 10+0 format, granting each player 10 minutes per game without increments, ensuring a blend of strategic depth and swift gameplay.
Also Read: India Welcomes the 2025 Chess World Cup After 23 Years
Qualification Pathways
The chess tournament will feature 16 players. Twelve players will qualify through the Champions Chess Tour, which includes online events in February and May 2025. The Last Chance Qualifier in Riyadh will determine the final four spots, giving both amateur and professional players a chance to compete.
Magnus Carlsen’s Dual Role
Beyond competing, Magnus Carlsen serves as the Global Ambassador for chess at the Esports World Cup. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m thrilled to see chess join some of the biggest games in the world at the Esports World Cup.” Carlsen believes this partnership offers an incredible opportunity to introduce chess to new audiences and inspire the next generation of players.
Also Read: Indian GM Nihal Sarin Dominates ‘Titled Tuesday,’ Surpassing Magnus Carlsen
