In recent years, the world of Esports has experienced unprecedented expansion, encompassing disciplines ranging from first-person shooters to real-time strategy games. Among the titles that have found a place in the competitive landscape, one stands out: chess. But can it truly be considered an Esport?
The Question
Esports, by definition, are professional video game competitions where players compete in digital environments. Although chess has a history spanning millennia and is traditionally considered a mind sport, its transition to online platforms has created a new way of enjoying the game, leading many to include it within the Esports context.
The Reasons
Thanks to platforms like Chess.com, chess has found a new virtual stage, with tournaments followed by millions of viewers streaming on Twitch and YouTube. Many professional players earn through sponsorships, cash prizes, and digital content, just like in traditional Esports. Additionally, many chess champions are already collaborating with Esports organizations, creating connections between the two worlds.
The Objections
Unlike classic Esports, chess does not require the use of a complex graphics engine or skills related to reflexes and coordination. Chess has always had an offline dimension, and its digital transition does not fundamentally change the nature of the game. Moreover, although it has a strong online following, chess still remains somewhat distant from traditional Esports culture.
Chess at the Esports World Cup
While the connection between is being debated, it was recently announced that the online version of chess will be featured at the Esports World Cup next summer. Perhaps not everyone knows that more than 11 million people play chess online every day. It has been the fastest-growing sport on the internet for years, fueled by a thriving digital ecosystem. This is a game that has existed for 1,500 years.
Ralf Reichter, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, has endorsed this move: “We are witnessing the impact of this partnership in real time. Chess will stand alongside competitions like VALORANT, Call of Duty, Apex Legends, and Dota 2, among a total of 25 titles to compete in. In just one week, seven of the world’s top ten chess players have signed with professional Esports clubs. Early movers include Team Falcons, Team Liquid, Gen.G, and Navi”.
The Latest Signings
Chess is no longer just about kings and queens; it is now part of the Esports club scene, where organizations are vying to sign the best players in the world. At the upcoming World Cup, we will see world number one Magnus Carlsen and world number four Fabiano Caruana playing for Team Liquid, which will be among the favorites for the final victory.
World number two Hikaru Nakamura has signed with Team Falcons, number five Arjun Erigaisi with Gen.G Esports, Nodirbek Abdusattorov with Natus Vincere, Wei Yi with Weibo, and number ten Ian Nepomniachtchi with Aurora. Still unsigned are world number three Gukesh Dommaraju and several other top-ten players.
Photo by Hassan Pasha on Unsplash
