Chess to be included at the Esports World Cup 2025

Chess will make its debut at the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as announced by the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) and Chess.com. The partnership includes appointing world-renowned chess player Magnus Carlsen as the global ambassador and integrating the Champions Chess Tour (CCT) as the primary qualification pathway. The 2025 CCT will feature two online events in February and May, with a combined prize pool of $300,000.

The top 12 players from the CCT will qualify for the EWC Chess tournament, which runs from July 31 to August 3, 2025, with four additional spots determined through a Last Chance Qualifier in Riyadh. Competitors will vie for a $1.5 million prize pool and Esports World Cup Club Championship points.