eSports Recognition for Chess in Google's Embrace

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

The Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 tournament has made a surprising announcement: chess, a game with millennia of history, will be featured as an esport. This partnership between Chess.com, Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) marks a significant milestone for the game.

Chess Takes Center Stage

Competitive chess will debut at the EWC, the world's largest gaming and esports festival. EWCF CEO Ralf Reichert hailed chess as "the mother of all strategy games," highlighting its global appeal and vibrant competitive scene as a perfect fit for the EWC's mission.

World champion and top-ranked player Magnus Carlsen will serve as an ambassador, aiming to introduce chess to a wider audience and inspire future generations of players. He expressed his excitement about chess joining other prominent esports at the EWC, seeing it as a pivotal opportunity for the game's growth.

Riyadh 2025: A $1.5 Million Showdown

The EWC will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 31st to August 3rd, 2025, with a substantial $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 compete for a $300,000 prize pool and a spot in the EWC's inaugural chess esports competition.

To enhance appeal to esports fans, the 2025 CCT will utilize a faster, 10-minute time control format for each game, with no increment. Tiebreakers will be decided by a single Armageddon game.

Chess, originating in ancient India over 1500 years ago, has evolved into a globally popular pastime. Its digital adaptation, facilitated by platforms like Chess.com, broadened its reach, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further popularization came through streaming, influencers, and media like "The Queen's Gambit." Its official recognition as an esport promises to attract even more players and enthusiasts.