**RIYADH, November 12, 2026 —** Chess is set to return to the Esports World Cup in Riyadh for 2027, marking its third consecutive year in the tournament. But why has this ancient strategy game become a staple of the Saudi-backed esports extravaganza?
Why Chess Became a Pillar of the Saudi-Backed Esports World Cup
Chess’s inclusion in the Esports World Cup isn’t just a nod to tradition—it’s a strategic move to bridge the gap between classic strategy games and the booming world of esports. Since its debut in 2025, chess has become a cornerstone of the tournament, attracting both esports enthusiasts and traditional chess fans. Think of it like adding a timeless classic to a modern playlist: it broadens the appeal and brings in a new audience.
Here’s how it works: Chess.com, the world’s largest chess community, partners with the Esports Foundation to organize the Champions Chess Tour, a qualification cycle that determines which players will compete in Riyadh. The practical upshot? It creates a seamless pathway for top chess players to enter the esports arena, blending the old with the new.
The numbers tell the story. The Esports World Cup boasts the largest prize pool in esports, with over $70 million up for grabs. Chess players like Magnus Carlsen, the two-time defending champion, have taken home $250,000 for their victories. Carlsen’s dominance—winning both editions without losing a match—has turned chess into a must-watch event, drawing global attention.
But it’s not just about the money. Chess’s inclusion aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision to position Riyadh as a global hub for esports and entertainment. The tournament, which began as a charity event during the COVID-19 pandemic, has evolved into a massive festival, featuring over 25 game titles and 2,500 participants from 100 countries in its 2025 edition. Chess fits perfectly into this diverse lineup, adding a layer of intellectual prestige to the high-octane world of esports.
In plain terms, chess in the Esports World Cup is a win-win. It gives traditional chess players a new stage and prize money, while the tournament gains credibility and a wider audience. As the 2027 edition approaches, the question isn’t why chess is included—it’s who will challenge Carlsen’s reign.
Sources
- Chess Returns To Esports World Cup 2027 As India's Grandmasters Target Glory In Riyadh
- Esports World Cup
- Esports World Cup Heads to Paris for First Edition Outside Saudi Arabia
- Carlsen Targets Esports World Cup Hat-Trick—And Another Monster Payday / News / World Chess – Official FIDE Online Chess Gaming Platform
- Dota 2 confirmed for Esports World Cup 2027, its fourth straight year in the lineup
- Media moves: Sandton Times adopts new print distribution model, Algoa FM sponsors Ironman athlete Michelle Reed, CANAL+ secures broadcast rights to ICONS Cup South Africa – The Media Online
Photo: Lennart Ootes (CC BY-SA 4.0)
