Chess debuts at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, offering huge prizes. Top players like Magnus Carlsen, Arjun Erigaisi, and Hikaru Nakamura compete for a $1.5 million prize pool. Even players who lose every game earn $50,000, roughly Rs 43 lakh. This event, backed by Saudi Arabia’s wealth, showcases chess’s growing esports appeal.
Elite Players Battle for Millions
Sixteen top chess players, including India’s Arjun Erigaisi and Nihal Sarin, compete in Riyadh. After day one, Levon Aronian, Erigaisi, Alireza Firouzja, and Magnus Carlsen secured quarter-final spots. Others, like Ian Nepomniachtchi and Hikaru Nakamura, fight in the Losers Brackets. The event’s group stage draw featured stars like Carlsen and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, highlighting chess’s global draw. The tournament uses a rapid format, testing players’ speed and strategy under pressure.
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Huge Prizes at Esports Chess World Cup
The winner claims $250,000, about Rs 2.1 crore. Second place earns $190,000 (Rs 1.6 crore), third gets $145,000 (Rs 1.2 crore), and fourth receives $115,000 (Rs 1 crore). Four players finishing fifth each take $85,000 (Rs 74 lakh), while four in ninth get $65,000 (Rs 56 lakh). Even the bottom four, losing every match, pocket $50,000. In contrast, FIDE’s Women’s World Cup winner, Divya Deshmukh, earned $50,000, showing the Esports World Cup’s massive financial backing. FIDE focuses on grassroots chess across 200+ nations, while private entities and Saudi Arabia fund this event, per ESPN reports.
Also Read: Divya Deshmukh Wins FIDE Women’s World Championship 2025 in Epic All-Indian Final
