Chess isn’t just a game; it’s a centuries-old battle that has now taken a massive step into the future. For the first time ever, chess is on the main stage at the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, making its historic debut and joining the ranks of top esports titles.
Chess Enters Esports World Cup 2025
Nobody imagined a classic game like chess trending alongside games like Fortnite. Yet, here we are! The chess community is buzzing as grandmasters go head-to-head not just for glory, but for a jaw-dropping prize pool of $1.5 million. That’s right, chess has truly become big money and major entertainment.
And what a lineup! The world’s very best players are here: Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, Alireza Firouzja, Fabiano Caruana, and more. These players aren’t just competing alone; they have been signed up by top esports clubs such as Team Liquid and Team Falcons. So, how does chess at Esports World Cup 2025 work? Let’s see.
The Format: How Does It Work?
Let’s break down “how it works” because Esports World Cup 2025 isn’t just your typical chess tournament.
- Qualifiers: Twelve players qualified based on their Champions Chess Tour (CCT) standings. Four more made it through the “Last Chance Qualifier,” fighting their way from a field of 135 hopefuls.
- Group Stage: The main event features 16 players split into four groups, each with four players. They battle in a GSL-style (double elimination) format: lose twice, and you’re out. Each match is two rapid games (10 minutes per side, no increment!). If scores are tied, it all comes down to a sudden-death Armageddon tiebreak.
- Playoffs: The top two from each group (eight total) move on to the knockout phase. In the playoffs, the number of games increases, four-game matches for the quarterfinals, six for the semifinals, and a final structured as a best-of-three sets if needed. The ultimate champion bags $250,000 and a big chunk of Club Championship points.
With just 10 minutes per player and no increment, the pressure is on. One slip, and you could be out. Even the top grandmasters can fall victim to the clock under these tough conditions.
Why Does This Matter?
This isn’t just about cash or trophies. Chess joining the Esports World Cup 2025 shows a new era. For fans, this means seeing their favorite grandmasters play fast, aggressive chess for a worldwide audience, with every move streamed live.
Plus, chess now stands shoulder to shoulder with other esports giants. With teams, prize money, club championships, and live broadcasts, chess is finally getting the global recognition and hype it truly deserves. So, whether you’re a lifelong chess lover or just someone chasing the esports hype, the Esports World Cup 2025 chess debut is an event you simply can’t miss. Legends and prodigies, club battles, mind games, and rapid-fire drama, all coming at you live from Riyadh. Talk about a checkmate for the history books!
Also Read: Esports Chess World Cup 2025: List Of All Players Revealed
