In February, the esports community buzzed with excitement as top chess grandmasters joined prominent esports organizations. This move sets the stage for their participation alongside Dota 2 and CS:GO professionals at the world's largest tournament. Grandmasters such as Magnus Carlsen, Ian Nepomniachtchi, and Ding Liren are now gearing up for the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, slated for 2025.

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Why Are Esports Organizations Recruiting Chess Players? Who Signed With Whom? Magnus Carlsen Ian Nepomniachtchi Ding Liren Fabiano Caruana Hikaru Nakamura Maxime Vachier-Lagrave Volodar Murzin Wesley So, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and Alexander Botnik 0 0 Comment on this Why Are Esports Organizations Recruiting Chess Players?

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The inclusion of chess as an official discipline at the Esports World Cup in 2025, with a hefty $1.5 million prize pool, explains why esports organizations are eagerly recruiting chess players. The EWC, held annually in Saudi Arabia, has grown from featuring just five disciplines at its inception during the Gamers8 festival to now encompassing 25 different competitions. Saudi Arabia's vision to become a "global hub of esports" by 2030 is driving this expansion.

The EWC, scheduled from June to August 2025, offers a massive $60 million prize pool. An innovative feature of the event is the overall standings system, rewarding teams that finish in the top eight across all disciplines. With 16 winning spots available last year, and Team Falcons taking the crown, having a strong presence in every discipline, including chess, is crucial for success.

Who Signed With Whom?

Magnus Carlsen

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Team Liquid: Magnus CarlsenFIDE Ranking: 1

Magnus Carlsen, the 16-time World Chess Champion, has signed with Team Liquid, expressing his enthusiasm about joining the "biggest and best esports organization in the world." Carlsen views this collaboration as a perfect match for his global recognition in the chess world. Steve Arhane, Co-CEO of Liquid, hailed Carlsen as the "greatest chess player of all time" and expressed the honor of having him on their team.

Ian Nepomniachtchi

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Aurora: Ian NepomniachtchiFIDE Ranking: 9

Ian Nepomniachtchi, Russia's top chess player, has joined Aurora Gaming. With a notable third-place finish at the 2024 World Rapid Championship, Nepomniachtchi is excited about chess's inclusion in the EWC and eager to be part of an ambitious esports project.

Ding Liren

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LGD: Ding LirenFIDE Ranking: 17

Despite a recent setback in his title match against Gukesh Dommaraju, Ding Liren has been welcomed by the legendary Chinese esports club LGD for the upcoming Esports World Cup.

Fabiano Caruana

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Team Liquid: Fabiano CaruanaFIDE Ranking: 2

Team Liquid further strengthened its chess division by signing American grandmaster Fabiano Caruana to a three-year contract.

Hikaru Nakamura

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Falcons: Hikaru NakamuraFIDE Ranking: 3

Hikaru Nakamura, the five-time U.S. Chess Champion and a popular figure on Twitch, has added his star power to Team Falcons' roster.

Maxime Vachier-Lagrave

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Vitality: Maxime Vachier-LagraveFIDE Ranking: 22

French grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave has joined Vitality, a well-known French esports organization with a strong competitive presence in games like CS:GO and Valorant.

Volodar Murzin

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AG Global Esports: Volodar MurzinFIDE Ranking: 70

Eighteen-year-old Volodar Murzin, who triumphed at the 2024 World Rapid Championship, has signed with AG Global Esports, bolstering their commitment to the rapid chess format.

Wesley So, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and Alexander Botnik

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NAVI: Wesley So, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and Alexander BotnikFIDE Rankings: 11th, 6th, and 166th

NAVI has strengthened its chess division by signing three grandmasters: Wesley So, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and Alexander Botnik, preparing for the Esports World Cup.