Defined: Why chess and Carlsen’s look at Esports World Cup 2025 is inflicting controversy

The
chess match on the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) kicked off on Tuesday, 29 July. That is the primary time that chess is formally a part of the Esports World Cup. Nonetheless, even earlier than the match might acquire momentum, an issue surfaced, with followers criticising the inclusion of chess at EWC.

A complete of 16 gamers are collaborating for a prize pool of $1.5 million, with the winner of the four-day major occasion taking house $250,000. Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, Arjun Erigaisi, Anish Giri, and Nihal Sarin are among the many massive names. So, what’s the controversy that has embroiled the historic occasion?

The loudest introduction in chess historical past? 😀#EsportsWorldCup pic.twitter.com/UDjR9cYTl7

— chess24 (@chess24com) July 29, 2025

Why the controversy over chess at EWC?

The Esports World Cup is backed by Saudi Arabia as it’s being held within the capital Riyadh. Many critics are calling this one other instance of “sportswashing.” Saudi Arabia and different Center Jap international locations have been accused of utilizing sports activities to enhance the nation’s worldwide picture regardless of criticism over their human rights file.

Some consider chess was included within the occasion so as to add extra credibility, as many of the video games which can be a part of the World Cup are usually not thought of mainstream. Chess has an extended historical past and status, and is watched by tens of millions across the globe.

In the meantime, the EWC additionally introduced five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen as “model ambassador.” Having somebody like Carlsen on board provides extra weight to the occasion. Carlsen is the present World No. 1 participant and instructions an enormous fan base.

Reviews from massive shops like The New York Occasions and The Guardian have identified how Saudi Arabia is partnering with prime athletes to advertise itself. Soccer star Lionel Messi, for instance, reportedly signed a $25 million contract with the nation’s tourism board.

One of many clauses in Messi’s contract reportedly prohibits him from saying something detrimental concerning the nation. It’s not confirmed if Carlsen has an identical clause, however critics counsel that this has now grow to be a sample.

In the meantime, some followers have additionally argued that chess will not be an esports and it shouldn’t have been part of the World Cup. Nonetheless, the organisers consider that chess is an esports. All of the matches are being performed on computer systems, as an alternative of a standard board.

Additionally Learn:
Unique: Nihal Sarin to make Esports World Cup 2025 debut, says new format is the ‘way forward for chess’

What occurred on Day 1?

Grandmasters Levon Aronian (Group A), Arjun Erigaisi (Group B), Alireza Firouzja (Group C), and Magnus Carlsen (Group D) have every gained two matches and made it to the Grand Finals of their teams on the World Cup.

In the meantime, some massive names are nonetheless combating to remain within the match. GMs Ian Nepomniachtchi, Vladislav Artemiev, and Andrey Esipenko are within the Losers’ Bracket of Group A.

In Group B, GMs Anish Giri, Nihal Sarin, and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave try to make a comeback. Group C’s Losers Bracket consists of GMs Javokhir Sindarov, Wei Yi, and Hikaru Nakamura.

In Group D, GMs Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Fabiano Caruana, and Jan-Krzysztof Duda are nonetheless within the race. Day 2 of the match will happen on Wednesday, July 30. It’s going to begin at 5:30 PM IST.