Chess Joins the 2025 Esports World Cup: Schedule, Format, Prize Pool & Player Lineup

Sagar Mankar
Jun 10
2 min read

Image: Magnus Carlsen, brand ambassador of the Esports World Cup Chess event

In a historic moment for the game of kings, chess is officially joining the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC). Backed by a multi-year partnership with Chess.com and led by none other than Magnus Carlsen, the event promises to blend traditional intellect with esports intensity.

From July 29 to August 1, the digital chessboards will light up in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as 16 elite players compete in rapid format for a staggering prize pool.

Let’s break down everything fans need to know about this exciting new chapter in esports.

Chess at the 2025 Esports World Cup: Format

The EWC Chess competition will use a 10+0 rapid time control—that means 10 minutes per player with no increment. Matches will unfold in two key phases:

Group Stage (July 29–30)

GSL-style double elimination
4 groups of 4 players
Each match = 2 rapid games
Top 2 from each group advance to Playoffs

Playoffs (July 31 – August 1)

Quarterfinals: Best of 4 games
Semifinals: Best of 6 games
Grand Final: Best-of-three sets, up to 10 games total
Includes a 3rd-place match on the final day

Prize Pool: What’s at Stake?

The EWC 2025 chess event will award a $1.5 million USD prize pool, one of the largest ever for a digital chess competition. This aligns with the EWC’s mission to elevate non-traditional esports games into the global spotlight.

Full Chess Tournament Schedule

Here’s a quick glance at the chess tournament dates:

July 24–26: Last Chance Qualifier (Riyadh)
July 29–30: Group Stage (GSL format)
July 31: Quarterfinals & Semifinals
August 1: Grand Final & 3rd-place match

How to Watch

Catch every move live on:

Twitch: twitch.tv/ewc
YouTube: @ewc

Both platforms will feature live English broadcasts, with VODs posted afterward for rewatching key moments or studying strategies. Fans in Riyadh can also purchase tickets to attend matches in person via the official EWC website.

Player Lineup: Who’s Competing?

Twelve elite players have already secured their slots through the Champions Chess Tour 2025, with four more to come via the Last Chance Qualifier. Here are the current confirmed names: