Chess.com announces major changes for the 2026 Esports World Cup qualifying cycle, combining three events under the Champions Chess Tour umbrella. The expanded system offers year-round competition through Titled Tuesday, Speed Chess Championship, and Chess.com Global Championship, with 12 qualification spots and increased prize funds.

Danny Rensch

Danny Rensch

Chess.com Chief Chess Officer

In this next season, we are doubling down in every way—with bigger prize funds, more qualification paths, more broadcasts, and a live final. The 2025-2026 cycle is going to be incredible, and we can’t wait to launch it.

The new Champions Chess Tour structure provides three qualification paths starting September 2025. Titled Tuesday features three Grand Prix Splits with players earning points from their best eight performances. Speed Chess Championship runs from October 2025 to February 2026 with $250,000 prize fund and live final. Chess.com Global Championship qualifiers begin March 2026 with playoffs concluding in May, also offering $250,000. Top three finishers from both SCC and CGC automatically qualify, with remaining spots determined by overall CCT leaderboard rankings.

Magnus Carlsen claimed the inaugural EWC Chess title after defeating Alireza Firouzja in Riyadh, earning his spot in the 2026 event. The 2025 Esports World Cup featured 16 players competing for $1.5 million prize pool, with 12 qualifiers from the Champions Chess Tour and 4 from the Last Chance Qualifier held in Saudi Arabia.