Chess will make its esports debut at the 2025 Esports World Cup, running from July 31 to August 2, 2025. However, its slow pace raises questions about its appeal to the fast-moving gaming crowd. They wonder whether chess can compete with action-packed games and earn a spot among esports�?biggest hits like Valorant and Dota 2. If you’re curious about its potential in esports, keep reading to learn if it’s worth the hype.

The rise of chess in the digital age

Chess shifted from a classic board game into a digital hit. Online platforms like Chess.com and streaming sites like Twitch made chess easy to play and fun to watch. The 2025 Esports World Cup will place chess alongside fast, intense games, testing how well it fits the scene.

While chess no longer feels like a quiet game for older people, it still faces a big challenge. It relies on deep thinking and slow moves. This format can make it harder to stand out in today’s fast gaming world.

What makes this tournament different?

Organisers know the challenge chess faces in esports. They chose a �?0+0 rapid format,�?giving each player ten minutes without extra time per move. This fast pace forces quick thinking and keeps games exciting to watch. 

Only 16 players will compete, including top stars Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura. The prize pool is $1,500,000, making this one of the biggest events in esports history. Live coverage will include expert commentary to help viewers understand the moves. 

Can chess still succeed in esports?

Chess can succeed in esports, but it needs the right approach. Here are the key factors that can help chess grow:

• Match time: Fast games keep viewers interested and make the tournament exciting.
• Strong narration: Clear commentary and player stories help fans understand the moves and stay connected to the game.
• Popular players: Bringing in famous chess stars draws more fans and builds excitement.
• Broadcast style: Adding effects, sounds, and graphics makes the matches more intense.
• Online platforms: Streaming on Twitch, YouTube, and similar sites helps chess reach viewers worldwide.
• Prize pool: Large prize money and good sponsorship deals attract talent and raise the event’s profile.

What to expect next for chess in esports

The 2025 Esports World Cup will test whether chess can thrive with popular esports. It’s a fresh test for a classic game, blending mental strategy with modern digital entertainment. If chess keeps fans engaged, it could attract a new crowd.

This growth may bring more tournaments, bigger prizes, and new chess players. Chess stands apart from typical esports, but that difference might become its greatest strength.

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Notable esports experts NAVI and Team Liquid are now playing chess. They're making big waves in the chess esports scene by signing top grandmasters. Both teams are well-known for their skills and loyal fanbases, and their chess journey shows how the game is becoming a bigger deal in the community. It’s also part of the Esports World Cup, which aims to fuse regular chess with competitive online gaming.

NAVI has signed three grandmasters: Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Wesley So, and Oleksandr Bortnyk. These players will represent the team in the Champions Chess Tour 2025. This tournament will happen online from February 16 to February 21, 2025. The players will compete for a share of a $150,000 prize pool. Their goal is to earn spots in the 2025 Esports World Cup, where only the top 12 players from the Champions Chess Tour leaderboard will qualify.

Nodirbek Abdusattorov shared his excitement about joining NAVI, saying, ‘I just want to play some interesting games.�?His words show his passion for the game and how this is a great opportunity to show his skills on a different stage.

Meanwhile, Team Liquid signed two of the best chess players in the world: Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana. Carlsen is often called the greatest chess player, with many awards, including five World Chess Championships. He has a peak rating of 2882—the highest in chess history. Fabiano Caruana is a four-time U.S. Open Chess champion and currently ranks second in the world with a rating of 2803.

The Esports World Cup

The rise of chess in esports is linked to its inclusion in the Esports World Cup (EWC). This partnership with chess.com has opened new doors for players and organisations. The EWC 2025 will feature a chess tournament with a prize pool of $1.5 million, starting from July 31 to August 3, 2025. The match will follow a fast format, giving players only 10 minutes to make their moves. 

Steve Arhancet, co-CEO of Team Liquid, said, ‘We are entering chess with the absolute best players because winning is critical to our mission.�?This shows Team Liquid's commitment to success in chess esports.

Other esports teams, like Team Vitality and Gen.G Esports, are also signing grandmasters to improve their chances in the EWC. This trend shows the growing connection between regular chess and esports. With more groups joining the chess scene, fans can expect thrilling matches and fun content.

As NAVI and Team Liquid enter chess esports, the future looks bright for the game. The community is eager to see how these grandmasters perform and what new techniques they will bring to the board.

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