For centuries, chess stood as the ultimate test of strategy and patience — a game born in ancient courts and perfected through slow, deliberate play. But in 2025, the classic board game is making its most unexpected move yet: a partnership with esports, driven by online platforms, fast formats, and a new digital audience.

Later this year, chess will officially debut at the Esports World Cup (EWC) — a tournament hosted in Saudi Arabia that unites the biggest competitive video game franchises under one roof. The inclusion of chess in this high-octane setting isn’t just a novelty; it’s a strategic checkmate aimed at a new generation.We’re just getting started,” said Steve Arhancet, CEO of Team Liquid, which has already signed Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana ahead of the event.

From boards to bytes: Chess goes digital

Much of this transition is thanks to the meteoric rise of Chess.com and platforms like Twitch, which turned slow-thinking grandmasters into fast-talking streamers. The COVID-19 lockdowns and Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit only accelerated the surge in popularity.

The EWC will feature a 10+0 blitz format — 10 minutes per player, no increment — a thrilling version that’s more digestible for online viewers used to instant gameplay and quick decisions.

It does make it a bit less like traditional chess, a bit more gamified admitted Caruana currently ranked world No. 5. Some will love it, others might not, but it opens up new doors.

Only 16 players will qualify through the Champions Chess Tour, setting the stage for one of the most lucrative rapid tournaments ever, with a prize pool of $1.5 million.

Why esports teams are signing chess grandmasters

For teams like Team Liquid, signing world-class players like Carlsen and Caruana isn’t just a flex — it’s smart business.

There’s a considerable amount of overlap between gamers and chess players,” said Arhancet. “People bounce between watching League of Legends and chess streams. This is natural crossover.

Even sponsors are paying attention. Arhancet said the chess demographic is “really attractive” due to its global nature, high educational value, and loyal online communities.

Tradition meets innovation — but not everyone’s on board

Still, the move has raised eyebrows among traditionalists.

Emil Sutovsky, CEO of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), supports the shift — cautiously. He confirmed FIDE was involved in early discussions but sees the esports partnership as an adjunct, not a replacement.

While trying to be zeitgeisty and popular, we cannot and shall not neglect the unique tradition and essence of chess Sutovsky said.

That sentiment is echoed by Caruana, who said the classical format — which gave him his showdown against Carlsen in the 2018 World Chess Championship — must remain sacred.

There’s a lot of meaningful significance in the legacy of classical chess. We can innovate, but we shouldn’t erase history.

A booming chess ecosystem

Ralf Reichert CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), described the integration of chess as a natural evolution, calling the ancient game one of the fastest-growing sports in the last few years.

Carlsen, often hailed as the greatest chess player of all time, is not only competing but also working as an ambassador for this crossover movement.

When we go into a game, we want to add value and help grow it,” Reichert explained. “Chess already has a thriving ecosystem. We’re here to amplify it.

The EWCF signed a three-year partnership with Chess.com, and sources suggest Saudi Arabia is keen on hosting more top-tier chess events, blending classical prestige with modern spectacle.

What lies ahead?

While the EWC may be the most high-profile stage yet, this isn’t a flash in the pan. Top players are increasingly shifting between formats — classical, rapid, blitz, and now esports. As the audience diversifies, so does the strategy.

Faster formats are exciting, more dynamic,” Caruana noted. “We were already moving there. This is just another step in that direction.