The highly anticipated Esports World Cup 2025 is set to feature competitive chess for the first time, with leading esports teams signing some of the world’s top grandmasters. Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi has officially joined Gen.G Esports, marking his entry into the world of esports-driven chess competition.
Team Liquid Makes a Statement with Carlsen and Caruana
One of the biggest surprises came from Team Liquid, a powerhouse in esports, which has recruited two of the world’s most renowned chess players—five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen and four-time U.S. Champion Fabiano Caruana. Their inclusion solidifies Team Liquid’s ambitions to dominate the chess category at the Esports World Cup.
More Grandmasters Join the Esports Movement
Chess continues to gain momentum in the esports realm, with several other grandmasters signing with top teams. Last week, Iranian-French GM Alireza Firouzja joined Team Falcons, where he will team up with Hikaru Nakamura.
English Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers, known for its foray into esports, also made headlines by signing Chinese Grandmaster Yu Yangyi for Wolves Esports.
Esports Teams Competing in Chess at Esports World Cup 2025
A total of ten esports organizations have entered the chess competition at the upcoming event:
- Team Liquid
- Team Falcons
- NAVI
- Aurora
- LGD Gaming
- Gen.G Esports
- Team Vitality
- AG Global
- Wolves Esports
Who Are the Star Players at Esports World Cup 2025?
Each team has signed elite chess players to compete at the tournament:
- Team Liquid – Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana
- Team Falcons – Hikaru Nakamura, Alireza Firouzja
- NAVI – Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Wesley So, Oleksandr Bortnyk
- Aurora – Ian Nepomniachtchi
- LGD Gaming – Ding Liren
- Gen.G – Arjun Erigaisi
- Team Vitality – Maxime ‘MVL’ Vachier-Lagrave
- Weibo – Wei Yi
- AG Global – Volodar Murzin
- Wolves Esports – Yu Yangyi
When and Where is the Esports World Cup 2025?
The tournament is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 31 to August 3, 2025. This historic event will see chess competing alongside other major esports titles, further strengthening its position in the digital competitive landscape.
Prize Money for Chess at Esports World Cup 2025
The chess event at the Esports World Cup will feature a prize pool of USD 1.5 million, approximately Rs 130 crore, making it one of the most lucrative chess competitions ever held.
Format of Chess at the Esports World Cup
Chess at the Esports World Cup will be played in a rapid 10+0 format, where players will have 10 minutes per game with no increment. This format ensures a balance between strategy and speed, adding an exciting, fast-paced element to the competition.
Twelve players will qualify for the tournament through the Champions Chess Tour, which will consist of online events in February and May 2025. Additionally, a final chance qualifier will be held in Riyadh, where four more competitors will earn their place in the tournament.
With esports giants investing heavily in chess and top grandmasters embracing the digital competition, the Esports World Cup 2025 is set to be a groundbreaking event for both the chess and esports communities.