Patryk Stachowiak
The 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) marks a defining moment in the convergence of classical strategy and digital spectacle. With chess making its inaugural appearance as a featured tournament, the game of kings has captured the attention of global esports giants. One by one, the world’s most storied organisations have signed elite Grandmasters, ushering in a new era of competition that is as cerebral as it is electrifying.
EMEA’s Vanguard: The Rise of Chess Titans
Team Vitality
French powerhouse Team Vitality made waves in February 2025 by signing Grandmaster Maxime ‘MVL’ Vachier-Lagrave. A symbol of French excellence in chess, MVL now competes in both the Champions Chess Tour and the EWC under the Vitality banner. His top-23 placement at the Chessable Masters was an early testament to this promising alliance.
Wolves Esports
Representing English football club Wolverhampton Wanderers, Wolves Esports brought on China’s youngest Grandmaster, Yu Yangyi, on February 27th. With a staggering $1.5 million prize pool awaiting at the EWC, the move reflects the organisation’s ambition and strategic foresight.
NAVI
The Ukrainian juggernaut NAVI expanded into chess with resounding authority. In February 2025, it signed a formidable trio: Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Wesley So, and Oleksandr Bortnyk. So’s top-16 finish in the Chessable Masters sets a high bar for NAVI’s EWC campaign, with all three aiming to make their mark under the Club programme.
Aurora Gaming
Serbia’s Aurora Gaming staked its claim by signing Blitz Chess World Champion Ian Nepomniachtchi. Ranked tenth globally, the Russian maestro will headline their Champions Chess Tour roster leading into the EWC starting June 28th.
Team Falcons
Saudi Arabia’s Team Falcons pulled off a coup by signing both Hikaru Nakamura, world number two, and prodigy Alireza Firouzja. Their roster now boasts two top-ten players, a feat unmatched by any other team. Nakamura’s previous stint with TSM marked the beginning of chess’s esports evolution — Falcons now look to define its apex.
Leo Team
Another Ukrainian contender, Leo Team, has added veteran Grandmaster Anton Korobov to its ranks, with aspirations of a powerful showing at the EWC.
Team Spirit
In April, Russian stalwart Team Spirit announced the signings of Vladislav Artemiev and Daniil Dubov. Artemiev, currently ninth in the CCT rankings, showcased his dominance in March — and the May event will determine if both stars can secure EWC qualification.
Team Secret
The globally recognized Team Secret entered the chess domain in April by signing Anish Giri, now joint-ninth in CCT rankings. With EWC qualification riding on the May event, Giri’s campaign carries immense stakes.
Asian Powerhouses Join the Fray
LGD Gaming
Former World Champion Ding Liren returned from hiatus to join China’s LGD Gaming in February. As a Club programme participant, LGD benefits from institutional support as it builds a chess dynasty anchored by Ding.
Weibo Gaming
World number seven Wei Yi joined Weibo Gaming and finished top-12 in the Chessable Masters, affirming the organisation’s place among serious contenders.
All Gamers
Veteran Chinese org All Gamers signed Rapid Chess World Champion Volodar Murzin. With a fourth-place finish at the Djerba Festival, Murzin enters the EWC race with proven form and pedigree.
Gen.G
International esports titan Gen.G recruited Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi. Ranked fifth on the CCT leaderboard, Erigaisi’s presence reflects Gen.G’s high-stakes entry into elite chess competition.
S8UL Esports
S8UL, one of India’s rising forces, recently entered the scene with Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram. With both players currently outside the top 12, May’s final qualifier looms as a defining moment.
North America: The Chess Powerhouse
Team Liquid
Team Liquid has redefined expectations by signing Fabiano Caruana and world number one Magnus Carlsen. Their acquisition represents a watershed moment — Carlsen’s victory at the Chessable Masters has already validated the organisation’s bold investment. Liquid stands atop the chess esports hierarchy as the EWC approaches.
Current EWC Qualifiers
As of now, only three players have officially qualified for the 2025 EWC: Magnus Carlsen (Team Liquid), Hikaru Nakamura (Team Falcons), and Ian Nepomniachtchi (Aurora Gaming). With final spots determined by May’s decisive event, the competition intensifies — and history beckons.
The Esports World Cup’s integration of chess is more than symbolic — it is transformative. These signings are not mere contracts; they are declarations. Chess has ascended into the digital pantheon of elite competition, and its Grandmasters now walk alongside esports legends. A new era has begun — one of strategy, brilliance, and enduring legacy.