The 2025 Esports World Cup for chess, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featured 16 top grandmasters competing in a rapid format for a US$1.5 million prize pool. Magnus Carlsen claimed the title and top prize. Meanwhile, an emerging market for chess betting offers odds on winners, match results, and live outcomes via esports-bookmakers.
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How Did Chess Become an Esport?
To begin with, chess’s journey into the esports sphere was driven by online platforms and evolving viewer trends. Services such as Chess.com allowed players of all levels to compete globally — and when streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube began to broadcast events and commentary, chess found a new audience. (SportsAdda, Sports Illustrated)
Importantly, the shift to fast-time controls made chess more spectator-friendly: for example, the 10-minute “10+0 rapid” format eliminates long think times, helping it align with modern esports pacing. The 2025 event marked chess’s formal inclusion in the Esports World Cup, backed by a multi-year partnership with Chess.com. (PR Newswire)
Key takeaway: Chess is now both a classical sport and a competitive digital spectacle — the format and streaming make it viable for betting and esports ecosystems.
What Is the Chess Esports World Cup 2025?
Most importantly, the Chess segment of the 2025 Esports World Cup was a dedicated individual event hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 29 July to 1 August 2025, featuring 16 players competing in the rapid “10 + 0” format (each player has ten minutes, no increment). (Liquipedia)
It offered a substantial US$1.5 million prize pool and awarded Club Championship Points to players’ affiliated esports teams, making it a high-stakes mind-sport in a major esports showcase. (Wikipedia)
Who Won the Chess Esports World Cup 2025?
In summary, Magnus Carlsen claimed the first-ever Chess Esports World Cup title. According to multiple sources, he defeated Alireza Firouzja in the final and earned the US$250,000 top prize. (Reuters)
Final Standings and Prize Breakdown
| Placement | Player | Prize | Club Points* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Magnus Carlsen | US$250,000 | 1,000 |
| 2nd | Alireza Firouzja | US$190,000 | 750 |
| 3rd | Hikaru Nakamura | US$145,000 | 500 |
| 4th | Arjun Erigaisi | US$115,000 | 300 |
* Points awarded to affiliated esports organisations based on the event. (Wikipedia)
His victory not only underscored his dominance in both classical and rapid formats but also marked a milestone for chess in the esports domain.
How Does Betting on Chess Esports Work?
To clarify, betting on chess esports follows many familiar wagering principles but also features unique elements tailored to chess. Popular markets include:
- Match Winner – wager on which player wins a given head-to-head.
- Outright Winner – bet on the tournament champion.
- Total Games / Correct Score – predict how many games a match will last or the exact series score.
- Tie-Break / Armageddon Result – chess-specific markets where “Armageddon” (white gets more time but draw favours black) creates dynamic odds. (PR Newswire)
Pros vs Cons of Chess Betting
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Analytical structure supports value bets (e.g., time control, player form) | Fewer bookmakers offer extensive live markets compared to shooters/MOBAs |
| Transparent skill-based outcomes; less chance than random luck | Betting volumes tend to be smaller, affecting market liquidity |
| Long history of player performance data (grandmaster records) | Chess events have slower pace than some typical esports formats |
Tip: Compare odds across several sportsbooks and stay disciplined — understanding time-control and player style is critical.
What Was the Prize Pool for the Chess Esports World Cup 2025?
Next, the event’s financial scale gives context for its significance. According to Liquipedia and other sources, chess had a US$1.5 million prize pool in 2025. (Liquipedia)
| Placement | Prize (USD) | Club Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | $250,000 | +1,000 |
| 2nd | $190,000 | +750 |
| 3rd | $145,000 | +500 |
| 4th | $115,000 | +300 |
| 5th–8th | $85,000 each | +200 |
| 9th–12th | $65,000 each | — |
| 13th–16th | $50,000 each | — |
Who Competed in the 2025 Chess Esports World Cup?
To summarise, 16 elite grandmasters competed. The qualification process included 12 players via the Champions Chess Tour 2025 and four from a Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) at DreamHack. (PR Newswire)
Notable competitors included: Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Arjun Erigaisi, Alireza Firouzja, Levon Aronian, Fabiano Caruana, and Nodirbek Abdusattorov. (Esports Insider)
How Can You Watch Chess at the Esports World Cup?
In terms of access, fans could stream each match live via the official Esports World Cup channels:
Watch the official Esports World Cup Chess streams live on
Twitch.
Catch highlights, VODs, and full matches on the official
EWC YouTube channel.
Commentary by Levy Rozman (GothamChess) and Daniel Naroditsky increased engagement and helped explain complex dynamics to newer audiences.
What Are the Best Chess Betting Tips?
Finally, here are expert-level tips for betting on chess esports, anchored in data and insight:
- Follow the meta: Rapid format (10 + 0) rewards players who perform under clock pressure — check recent results in similar formats.
- Study player form: Players who excel in online rapid/bullet chess tend to translate well; those with only classical success might lag.
- Compare odds: Market inefficiencies often appear before lesser-known players break through — e.g., undervaluation of strong blitz specialists.
- Check time-control proficiency: Some GMs perform significantly better in 10-minute formats than in longer classical games.
- Stay disciplined: Volume may be lower in chess markets. Avoid chasing losses — selective, value-based betting wins in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is betting on chess esports legal?
A: Yes — in many regulated jurisdictions you may bet on chess esports via licensed sportsbooks. However, ensure your country (for example Ireland or UK) allows esports betting and verify bookmaker licensing. Responsible-gambling measures apply.
Q: Who won the Chess Esports World Cup 2025?
A: Magnus Carlsen claimed the title, winning the final against Alireza Firouzja and earning the top prize of US$250,000.
Q: Can I bet on chess using cryptocurrency?
A: Yes. Some operators such as Stake and Thunderpick accept crypto deposits and provide chess markets; always check each site’s terms for your region.
Q: Where can I find live odds for chess esports events?
A: Leading esports-bookmakers such as GG.BET and BetOnline offer live markets for major chess events like the Esports World Cup. Confirm availability for your region.
Summary
In summary, the Chess Esports World Cup 2025 represented a milestone for chess: blending grandmaster skill, rapid format excitement, and esports spectacle in Riyadh with a US$1.5 million prize pool. With Magnus Carlsen’s win and the emergence of betting markets for chess, this event sits at the intersection of tradition and modern competitive gaming. If you’re interested in betting on chess, focus on strong operators, understand the format nuances, and prioritise value bets.
Editorial Details
Written by: Cian O’Rourke, Esports Betting Analyst (10+ years in esports and gaming markets)
Reviewed by: Aoife Brennan, Senior Content Editor & Responsible Gambling Lead
Last updated: 20 October 2025
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