Chess Ascends to Esports: NAVI Sign Grandmasters

In a groundbreaking shift, chess has officially been recognized as an esports, leading prominent esports organizations to sign top grandmasters.

The Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 has announced the inclusion of chess, marking its debut in the competitive gaming arena. This historic event is scheduled to take place in Riyadh from July 31 to August 3, 2025, featuring a prize pool of $1.5 million. The partnership between the Esports World Cup Foundation and Chess.com has been pivotal in bringing chess to this global stage. Notably, Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen has been appointed as the Global Ambassador for this initiative. citeturn0search2

In anticipation of the EWC, several esports organizations have expanded their rosters to include elite chess players. French Grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, renowned for his strategic prowess, has joined Team Vitality. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between traditional chess enthusiasts and the esports community, fostering a new era of competitive play. citeturn0search7

Similarly, Grandmasters Arjun Erigaisi and Volodar Murzin have secured contracts with major esports teams, becoming pioneers in this emerging crossover. Their participation underscores the growing trend of integrating classical board games into the digital esports framework. citeturn0search5

Natus Vincere (NAVI) has officially entered the chess scene. They have welcomed Grandmasters Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Wesley So, and Oleksandr Bortnyk to their team, signaling a significant investment in the future of chess as a competitive esport.

Image Credit: NaVi's telegram channel

Translation from Ukrainian:

We’re making a big move! NAVI officially enters the world of chess!

Welcome to our grandmasters – Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Wesley So, and Oleksandr Bortnyk! #navination

The inclusion of chess in the EWC 2025 not only elevates the game's status but also offers players a platform to showcase their skills to a broader audience. As the lines between traditional sports and esports continue to blur, chess stands at the forefront of this exciting evolution.