By Sagar V. Mankar 
On December 17, 2024, the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) and Chess.com announced a multi-year partnership to bring competitive online chess to the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Chess.com, the leading online chess platform, serves nearly 200 million members worldwide, offering gameplay, lessons, and tournaments.
Adding to the prestige of this partnership, Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen will serve as Chess’s Global Ambassador at the Esports World Cup.
Champions Chess Tour: Pathway to EWC 2025
As part of this partnership, the Champions Chess Tour (CCT), an elite tournament series hosted by Chess.com, will become the primary qualifying pathway for EWC 2025.
Qualifiers:
- Two online CCT events in February and May 2025
- Combined $300,000 prize pool for qualifying events
EWC Tournament Structure:
- Top 12 players from Champions Chess Tour (CCT) will be invited in Riyadh from July 31 to August 3,
- Four additional spots will be determined through a Last Chance Qualifier in Riyadh
- $1.5 million prize pool
- Matches will use rapid 10+0 chess format ensuring fast-paced matches
- Armageddon game for tiebreakers
Magnus Carlsen: A Legendary Ambassador
Magnus Carlsen, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time, will play a key role as the Global Ambassador for chess at the Esports World Cup.
“I’m thrilled to see chess join some of the biggest games in the world at the Esports World Cup,” said Magnus Carlsen. “This partnership offers an incredible opportunity to introduce chess to new audiences and inspire the next generation of players.”
A Milestone for Digital Chess
The inclusion of chess in the Esports World Cup reflects the game’s transition from traditional boards to digital screens. Platforms like Chess.com have played a significant role in this evolution, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when online chess experienced unprecedented growth.
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm: “Bringing chess to the Esports World Cup is a testament to the game’s timeless appeal and adaptability. Partnering with Chess.com and having Magnus Carlsen as an ambassador showcases our commitment to innovation and excellence.”
The 2025 Esports World Cup will unite over 25 gaming titles, featuring top clubs, players, and passionate fans from around the world. Chess’s inclusion reinforces the event’s vision of merging traditional strategy with modern digital competition.
Sources: esportsworldcup.com/en, Chess.com