The chess world is in a storm as top GMs look for an opportunity to enter the esports universe. The Chess.com Classic is the final online event of the Champions Chess Tour, which also serves as the last chance for players to qualify for the $1.5 million Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, scheduled from 31 July to 3 August 2025.
What Is Chess.com Classic?
The Chess.com Classic started on 18 May and will run through 23 May 2025. The event features a $150,000 prize pool and brings together some of the world’s top-class grandmasters. The stakes are higher than ever because not only are the players competing for the prize money and prestige, but the top nine finishers in the event will secure the final slots at the Esports World Cup.
The event’s format pits eight invited players against eight players who made their way through the qualifiers and Play-In stages, giving a fierce competition.
Who Is Already In Through Chess.com Classic?
Four grandmasters have already booked their seats at the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh. These players are:
- Magnus Carlsen (Team Liquid)
- Hikaru Nakamura (Team Falcons)
- Ian Nepomniachtchi (Aurora Gaming)
- Jan-Krzysztof Duda (Twisted Minds)
Players Who Signed Before The Chess.com Classic
This year, we have seen a rush of top grandmasters signing with major esports teams for the EWC. Teams like Team Falcons, Team Liquid, Aurora, NAVI, LGD, Team Vitality, S8UL, etc. have entered the chess arena.
Recent high-profile signings include:
- Levon Aronian (Reject)
- Vincent Keymer (Basilisk Gaming)
- Javokhir Sindarov (Team Vitality)
- Andrey Esipenko (Virtus Pro)
- Denis Lazavik (Team BDS)
- Indian GMs Aravindh Chithambaram and Nihal Sarin (S8UL)
With four players already qualified, nine more spots are up for grabs at the Chess.com Classic. The event is the last chance for those who want to qualify for the Esports World Cup, where only 16 players will compete for the ultimate prize.
Also Read: Magnus Carlsen Breaks Silence On Gukesh’s Classical Prowess
