GM Magnus Carlsen (2839) appeared as the official representative for chess during the Esports World Cup 2025 Opening Ceremony held July 10th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The five-time World Champion served as chess ambassador at the spectacular event featuring Post Malone, Dino of SEVENTEEN, and Alesso.

Twelve players qualified through the 2025 Champions Chess Tour: Carlsen (Team Liquid), Nakamura (Team Falcons), Nepomniachtchi (Aurora Gaming), Duda (Twisted Minds), Erigaisi (Gen.G Esports), Firouzja (Team Falcons), Abdusattorov (Natus Vincere), Caruana (Team Liquid), Artemiev (Team Spirit), Wei Yi (Weibo Gaming), Vachier-Lagrave (Team Vitality), and Fedoseev. The final four spots will be determined through the EWC Last Chance Qualifier held in Riyadh from July 24-26,

The EWC2025 Chess tournament runs from July 29 to August 1, 2025, at Boulevard Riyadh City, featuring 16 elite players competing for a $1.5 million prize pool.