The Esports World Cup 2025 is set to take an innovative turn by including chess as one of its featured games. This historic decision stems from a new multi-year partnership between the Esports World Cup Foundation and the world’s leading online chess platform, Chess.com.
The collaboration introduces a $1.5 million prize pool tournament, marking chess’s entry into the esports arena at the prestigious event hosted in Riyadh.
A Modern Stage for a Timeless Game
Chess, often regarded as one of the oldest and most strategic games in history, is making waves in the esports world by leveraging its digital transformation. Platforms like Chess.com have revolutionized the way players engage with the game, offering live tournaments and drawing hundreds of thousands of viewers globally.
The inclusion of chess in the Esports World Cup highlights its growing popularity and relevance as a competitive title. Unlike traditional esports games, chess brings a unique flavor to the competition by blending intellectual prowess with digital accessibility.
Path to the Esports World Cup 2025
Aspiring players have multiple opportunities to qualify for this monumental event:
- Champions Chess Tour (CCT):
- Two tournaments in 2025 will serve as official qualifiers for the Esports World Cup.
- The top 12 players from the CCT standings will receive direct invitations to the main event.
- Last-Chance Qualifier in Riyadh:
- A final opportunity for both amateur and professional players to secure a spot in the tournament.
These qualifying stages ensure inclusivity, allowing players of various skill levels to compete on the world stage.
Magnus Carlsen: The Perfect Ambassador
Leading this new chapter is none other than Magnus Carlsen, widely recognized as one of the greatest chess players of all time. His role as the global ambassador for chess at the Esports World Cup underscores the tournament’s ambition to bridge the gap between traditional sports and esports audiences.
Carlsen expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating:
“This is an incredible opportunity to showcase chess to a broader esports audience.”
His involvement not only enhances the event’s prestige but also positions chess as a pivotal title in the esports ecosystem.
Key Highlights of Chess at EWC 2025
- Prize Pool: A staggering $1.5 million, underscoring the event’s significance.
- Innovative Format: Combines online qualifiers with a grand-stage showdown in Riyadh.
- Global Audience: Chess tournaments continue to attract millions of viewers online.
- Historical Milestone: Marks chess’s official debut in a mainstream esports event.
Chess: A Perfect Fit for Esports
The inclusion of chess in the Esports World Cup 2025 symbolizes the evolution of competitive gaming. Chess’s rich history and universal appeal make it a natural addition to a platform that celebrates global competition.
According to Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation:
“Our mission is to unite the world’s most popular games under one competitive banner. Chess, with its vibrant community and timeless appeal, is a perfect fit for this vision.”
Conclusion
The Esports World Cup 2025 is poised to redefine the boundaries of competitive gaming by merging tradition with innovation. With Magnus Carlsen at the helm and Chess.com’s robust platform, the inclusion of chess ensures a unique experience for fans and competitors alike.
As the countdown to Riyadh begins, one thing is certain: chess is ready to make history in the world of esports.
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