Chess Grandmasters Team Up with Esports Giants

February 2025 marked a pivotal moment in the esports world as some of the most celebrated chess grandmasters officially joined leading esports organizations. This strategic move aligns with the upcoming debut of chess as an official discipline at the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, featuring a $1.5 million prize pool. With top-tier players like Magnus Carlsen, Ian Nepomniachtchi, and Ding Liren now signed under major teams, the stage is set for a historic crossover between traditional strategy games and competitive gaming.

Why Are Esports Organizations Recruiting Chess Players?

The integration of chess into the Esports World Cup has prompted major esports teams to expand their rosters beyond traditional video game titles like Dota 2 and CS:GO. In 2025, the EWC will feature 25 disciplines, with a total prize pool of $60 million. A key element of the competition is the club standings system, where points are awarded based on top-eight finishes across all events. To maximize their chances of securing the overall title, teams are signing elite talent across every category—including chess. Saudi Arabia’s broader vision to become the global hub of esports by 2030 further reinforces the significance of this expansion.

Who Signed With Whom?

Magnus Carlsen

• Team: Team Liquid
• FIDE Ranking: 1

A 16-time World Champion, Magnus Carlsen joined forces with Team Liquid, one of the most prestigious names in esports. He expressed enthusiasm about being part of what he calls "the biggest and best esports organization in the world." Steve Arhane, Co-CEO of Team Liquid, praised Carlsen as the greatest chess player of all time and highlighted the honor of welcoming him into the team's elite roster.

Ian Nepomniachtchi

• Team: Aurora Gaming
• FIDE Ranking: 9

Russian grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi, known for his excellence in rapid chess and a third-place finish at the 2024 World Rapid Championship, signed with Aurora Gaming. He voiced strong support for the inclusion of chess in the Esports World Cup and shared excitement over joining a forward-thinking esports initiative.

Ding Liren

• Team: LGD
• FIDE Ranking: 17

Despite recent challenges following his match loss to Gukesh Dommaraju, Chinese grandmaster Ding Liren was signed by the iconic esports team LGD ahead of the EWC. His inclusion strengthens LGD’s lineup as they prepare for high-stakes competition.

Fabiano Caruana

• Team: Team Liquid
• FIDE Ranking: 2

Team Liquid continued its aggressive chess recruitment by signing American grandmaster Fabiano Caruana. The two-time U.S. Champion agreed to a three-year deal, reinforcing Liquid’s dominance in the chess esports space.

Hikaru Nakamura

• Team: Falcons
• FIDE Ranking: 3

Five-time U.S. Chess Champion and popular Twitch streamer Hikaru Nakamura made headlines by joining Team Falcons. His massive online presence and competitive edge make him a valuable asset for the reigning EWC champions.

Maxime Vachier-Lagrave

• Team: Vitality
• FIDE Ranking: 22

French grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave joined the ranks of Vitality, a well-established esports brand competing in CS:GO and Valorant. His addition brings elite-level chess expertise to one of Europe’s most recognizable esports franchises.

Volodar Murzin

• Team: AG Global Esports
• FIDE Ranking: 70

Eighteen-year-old prodigy Volodar Murzin, fresh off his victory at the 2024 World Rapid Championship, signed with AG Global Esports. His success in rapid formats makes him a key player for the team’s EWC strategy.

Wesley So, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and Alexander Botnik

• Team: NAVI
• FIDE Rankings: 11th, 6th, and 166th

NAVI expanded its chess division by signing Wesley So, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and Alexander Botnik. This trio of elite players positions NAVI as a serious contender in the EWC chess event, combining experience, youth, and international representation into one formidable squad.