select year
2026
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!
Road to EWC 2026 - Qualifiers
19%
4/21 Slots Claimed
May 15th - May 17th
Atlanta, USA
4 Players Qualify
Chess at ROAD TO EWC 26: DreamHack Atlanta
upcoming
May 15th - May 17th
Atlanta, USA
4 Players Qualify
Chess: Atlanta Qualifiers
upcoming
Riyadh
4 Players Qualify
EWC Last Chance Qualifier
May 15th - May 17th
Atlanta, USA
4 Players Qualify
Chess at ROAD TO EWC 26: DreamHack Atlanta
upcoming
May 15th - May 17th
Atlanta, USA
4 Players Qualify
Chess: Atlanta Qualifiers
upcoming
This year, the EWC Chess tournament is growing!
The first phase, new to EWC, is the Play-in phase, which will host 8 players qualified via the Last Chance Qualifier and Dreamhack Atlanta. These players will face off in a Double elimination bracket, playing 2 games per match.
The best players from Play-in will qualify to Group Stage, and will be joined by the best of the best from Qualifier tournaments. In group stage, 16 players will be divided into 2 groups of 8, which will play their matches in double elimination brackets again, playing 2 games per match. Top 4 from both groups qualify to the Playoffs.
Playoffs are a no-second-chances, single elimination bracket, with 4 games per match in Round of 8, and 6 games per match in Semi-Finals. The winner of this years tournament will be decided after a grueling Grand Finals match compromised of 3 sets of Games.
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.
News
2026
Rostermania Recap
Rostermania’s live show delivered big reveals, bold moves, and a glimpse into how top esports clubs are gearing up for the next competitive cycle. Through a mix of video premieres and live interviews, some of the biggest names in the scene pulled back the curtain on their new lineups.
2026
Road to EWC: April 2026
April sharpened the Road to EWC, with regional leagues and global circuits separating contenders from the chasing pack. From CDL Major qualifiers to Rainbow Six Siege’s push toward the next international Major, Clubs continued to build form ahead of Riyadh.
2026
New Rostermania Show Set to Premiere 30th Apr
RosterMania is a live broadcast brought to you by the Esports World Cup. 30th April marks the deadline where clubs have to lock in their rosters before EWC.
2026
Road to EWC Qualifiers at DreamHack Atlanta
May 15–17 marks the next chapter in the Road to EWC, as the global journey arrives in Atlanta, welcoming a new wave of contenders ready to make their mark.
