Aug 11 - Aug 15, 2026

Chess is coming to the Esports World Cup 2026 after debuting at EWC 2025, where Magnus Carlsen, competing under Team Liquid, claimed the inaugural title. His victory helped establish chess as a natural fit on the EWC stage, blending classical mastery with modern esports competition.

$1,500,000

Prize Pool

BUY TICKETS

Participating Players

More slots to be announced!

EWC Title Defender
SCC
SCC
SCC
Chess.com GC
Chess.com GC
Chess.com GC
CCT LEADERBOARD
CCT LEADERBOARD
CCT LEADERBOARD
CCT LEADERBOARD
CCT LEADERBOARD
CCT LEADERBOARD

Road to EWC 2026 - Qualifiers

Oct 13th - Feb 8th
Global
3 Players Qualify
Speed Chess Championship
Mar 14th - Apr 26th
Global
3 Players Qualify
Chess.com Global Championship
Sep 2nd - May 23rd
Global
6 Players Qualify
CCT Leaderboard

About

Chess grand masters earn their title for life after years of dedication to the game, outplaying opponents by thinking multiple steps ahead and adapting strategies as matches unfold. What began as a traditional contest of intellect has evolved into a certified esport, with the competitive scene gaining global momentum in 2020 and bringing high stakes, emotion, and drama to audiences around the world.



Each match begins on equal footing, with both players controlling identical pieces, each defined by its own movement and unified by a single objective: protect the King. Turn by turn, players maneuver to corner their opponent’s King while anticipating every possible counter, creating a tense contest of precision and foresight. Chess at EWC 25 led to the pairing of the world’s best grandmasters with premier esports organizations, setting the stage for unmatched intensity and rivalry.