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Grand Master Magnus Carlsen and Chess.com have confirmed a partnership with the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), the result of which is the addition of chess at Esports World Cup 2025.
The introduction of chess to the tournament was billed as a “truly exciting moment” by Esports World Cup Foundation CEO Ralf Reichert.
“Partnering with the leading online platform for the game, Chess.com, and the legendary Magnus Carlsen — a true GOAT of the sport — allows us to not only showcase chess on a massive stage but also to drive innovation and growth within its already vibrant ecosystem,” Reichert said.
The tournament will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 31 to August 5, and will welcome the world’s top chess players, who will compete for a share of the US$1.5 million prize pool.
Champions Chess Tour (CCT) 2025 will serve as the qualifying event for the EWC Championship, offering 12 tickets for the main tournament in addition to four players from the Last Chance Qualifiers.
The matches will be played in a rapid 10+0 chess format — 10-minute games with no time increments — resulting in quicker-paced games that allow for more skill expression.
Chess is the 15th game to be announced for the 2025 Esports World Cup. So far, tournament organisers have also confirmed:
- Honor of Kings
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
- Call of Duty: Warzone
- Free Fire
- Street Fighter
- Dota 2
- Rainbow Six Siege
- Counter-Strike 2
- PUBG Mobile
- Apex Legends
- EA Sports FC
- Overwatch 2
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
- Rocket League
