Archive · 22 Aug 2025
Chess Returns to Esports World Cup in 2026
Chess is going to be played again at the Esports World Cup in 2026!
It was there for the first time in 2025, and now it's coming back.
In 2025, Magnus Carlsen won the chess competition, beating Alireza Firouzja.
To get to the 2026 cup, players will have to compete in a series of tournaments.
Unlike last time, the way players qualify will be different.
The Champions Chess Tour was a big part of qualifying before, but this time, other events will decide who gets to play.
Chess will return to the Esports World Cup in 2026 after its 2025 debut.
Magnus Carlsen, representing Team Liquid, won the EWC 2025 chess competition.
Alireza Firouzja, playing for Team Falcons, was the runner-up in 2025.
The qualification path for EWC 2026 will change from the previous season.
Three Chess.com competitions will form the qualifying circuit for EWC 2026.
- Who
- Magnus Carlsen, Alireza Firouzja, and chess players.
- What
- Chess will return to the Esports World Cup.
- When
- The Esports World Cup will be held in 2026.
- Where
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (for EWC 2025)
- Why
- To compete in the Esports World Cup.
- Event
- Esports World Cup
- Year
- 2026
- 2025 Winner
- Magnus Carlsen
- 2025 Runner-up
- Alireza Firouzja
- Qualifying Circuit
- Three Chess.com competitions