What is the Last Chance Qualifier? And how will it decide the EWC 2025 chess players? Well, simply put, it’s the final opportunity for chess players who haven’t yet secured their spot in the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025. Think of it as the last hurdle where hopes are still alive, and one more shot is given to prove you belong on the big stage. This qualifier gives players a fair shot to make it to the prestigious event, even if they missed earlier chances or faced tough competition.
So why do we need this Last Chance Qualifier?
The answer is simple: chess, which is now a part of esports, has become hugely competitive. With only 16 slots in the EWC and 12 already filled, those remaining 4 spots will be highly contested. This qualifier keeps the tournament truly open and exciting, allowing top players who might have slipped through initial qualifiers one more chance to fight for the spotlight. It adds drama and fairness, making sure nobody is left out just because of a bad day or tough draws earlier on.
Now, how exactly does the Last Chance Qualifier work?
Last Chance Qualifier is scheduled to take place from July 24 to 26, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and features a two-phase format: first, a Swiss round of nine games, then a double-elimination knockout. Players will battle it out with a fast but strategic time control, 10 minutes with no increment, putting their skills to the test. From this intense contest, the top four survivors will grab their tickets to the grand Esports World Cup kicking off in Riyadh on July 29, 2025.
So, who’s Playing In The Last Chance Qualifier
Who’s playing in the Last Chance Qualifier? The line-up is nothing short of star-studded. Big names like GM Praggnanandhaa, Anish Giri, Hans Niemann, and others have signed up, making the competition fierce and entertaining. Around 60 players, including 23 grandmasters, have already registered. This mix of world-class talent and hungry challengers makes the LCQ a tournament you don’t want to miss.
In short, the Last Chance Qualifier is the final battleground before the big chess spotlight. It’s thrilling, high-stakes, and packed with talent, exactly what you want from a stage where dreams are both made and broken. If you love chess and esports, mark your calendars for July 24-26 and watch some of the most intense battles of 2025 unfold live from Riyadh.
Whether you’re a fan, a player, or just curious, the Last Chance Qualifier is your last chance to witness chess at its absolute peak in the esports arena this year. Don’t miss it!
Also Read: Chess Esports World Cup 2025: Format, Schedule, And Players
