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Jul 29 - Aug 01, 2025

Chess is an ancient game of wits, with both players thinking three, five, or nine steps ahead of their opponent to corner the King and get the Checkmate. Confirmed EWC title through 2025

16

Competing Players

$1,500,000

Prize Pool

BUY TICKETS

Participating Players

Esports organizations rushed to sign Grand Masters worldwide to bring them to the largest stage chess has ever seen.

Magnus Carlsen

Hikaru Nakamura

Ian Nepomniachtchi

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EWC Last Chance Qualifier

EWC Last Chance Qualifier

EWC Last Chance Qualifier

EWC Last Chance Qualifier

Tournament Format

LCQ

  • 256 players
  • 4 Groups of 64 players - Swiss
  • 16 players Playoffs

Stage 1

  • 16 players
  • 4 Groups of 4 players - GSL
  • 2 games per match

Stage 2

  • 8 players
  • Single Elimination Bracket
  • Ro8: 4 games per match
  • Ro4: 6 games per match
  • Grand Finals: Best of 3 Sets

Road to EWC

May 23rd - May 25th
Global
4 Spots to the LCQ
Road to EWC Chess at DreamHack

Last Chance Qualifier

Jul 24th - Jul 26th
Global
Teams Progress: 4
EWC Last Chance Qualifier - Chess

Chess at EWC 25 Rules

Chess follows a strict set of rules — but all rules can be mastered.

About

The Characters: Grand Masters earn the title for life after years of dedication to the game of chess. To earn this title, the pros must outplay opponents, thinking multiple steps ahead and switching strategies on the spot as the game unfolds. What started as a traditional game of wits has become a certified esport as the scene progressed in 2020, bringing the sweat, tears, and drama to streams all over the world.

The Plot: Each opponent starts with the same pieces on their side of the chessboard, all with their own set of moves and one goal—protect the King.

Players take turns moving their pieces on the board to corner the opponent’s King without any other pieces getting in the way. It’s a game of cat and mouse that takes immense brainpower, focus, and strategy, which is why Grand Masters are so highly regarded and feared.

Why: Chess at EWC 2025 is the biggest chess tournament yet, and the massive prize pool has driven the best-of-the-best to sign with esports organizations and prepare for a huge mental game like no other. Watch the Grand Masters at work, and be prepared for intensity and rivalry like no other esport.