Chess Joins 2025 Esports World Cup with $1.5M Prize Pool

The ancient strategy game will feature a rapid-play format and Magnus Carlsen as ambassador at the Riyadh event.

Chess has been officially added to the 2025 Esports World Cup lineup, marking a major milestone for the game as an esport.
The tournament will follow a rapid 10-minute format with no time increments, including Armageddon tiebreakers for decisive results.
The event is part of a multi-year partnership between the Esports World Cup Foundation and Chess.com, the largest online chess platform with nearly 200 million members.
Legendary chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen will serve as an ambassador, aiming to connect chess with the broader esports community and inspire new players.
The finals, set for July 31 to August 3, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will feature 16 players competing for a $1.5 million prize pool, with qualification through the Champions Chess Tour and a Last Chance Qualifier.