Chess.com announced its Global Championship will return as a new qualification path for the Esports World Cup. The online open returns after four years.

The tournament is scheduled from March 14 to April 26, 2026. Eight players will qualify through three online stages, with a further eight determined by the winter Title Tuesday Grand Prix series starting next week. The playoff stage offers three EWC spots from a $250,000 total prize pool.

The Chess.com Global Championship last took place in 2022 and was won by GM Wesley So. The event is the world’s largest open online chess tournament with no direct invitations.

Credit: Chess.com