The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has officially announced that Chess will be part of the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026, marking a major step forward in the continued evolution of chess as a modern esport.
Set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Esports Nations Cup will run from November 2 through November 29, 2026, with the Chess competition scheduled for November 2–8. A total of 128 players representing their nations will compete, making it one of the largest international chess tournaments ever held under an esports banner.
A Landmark Moment for Competitive Chess
The addition of chess brings the total number of titles at Esports Nations Cup 2026 to 16, further reinforcing the event’s ambition to unite traditional esports and classic competitive games under a single, nation-based format.
Chess has seen a surge in popularity over the past decade, driven by online platforms, streaming, and elite competitive circuits. Its successful debut at the Esports World Cup 2025 demonstrated that the centuries-old game can thrive in a high-production esports environment — attracting both seasoned chess fans and new audiences.
At EWC 2025, Magnus Carlsen captured the inaugural Chess championship while representing Team Liquid, and players from 20 different nations took part across the main event and Last Chance Qualifier.
Tournament Format and Schedule
Chess at Esports Nations Cup 2026 will feature a robust multi-stage format designed to balance competitive integrity with spectator excitement.
The tournament will begin with a group stage featuring all 128 players, divided into 16 groups of eight in a round-robin format. The top four players from each group will advance to the next phase.
From there, 64 players will enter a single-elimination playoff bracket. Early playoff rounds will be played as best-of-two matches, while the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals will shift to best-of-four series. Armageddon games will be used to break ties when necessary.
All matches will be played using a Rapid 10+0 time control, a fast-paced format well-suited for esports broadcasts.
Qualification and Ranking System
The 128-player field will be determined through a combination of direct invitations, regional qualifiers, and wildcard slots, ensuring global representation.
- 64 players will receive direct invites based on the official Champions Chess Tour (CCT) rankings, with a limit of one invited player per nation
- 56 players will qualify through regional online qualifiers
- 8 players will be selected via wildcard entries
The cut-off date for CCT-based invitations is May 26, 2026, with Titled Tuesday Spring Split results serving as a tie-breaker if fewer than 64 unique nations are represented in the rankings.
Regional qualifiers will be operated by Chess.com and held across seven regions, each awarding eight total slots:
- North America
- South America
- Africa
- Western Europe
- Eastern Europe
- Middle East + India + Central Asia
- East Asia + Southeast Asia + Oceania
Each region will host two qualifiers, taking place on June 6–7 and June 13–14. Every nation may have up to two representatives at the event, depending on qualification pathways.
Chess and the Esports World Cup Vision
Chess’ return under the Esports World Cup banner reflects a broader push to redefine what esports can be — blending digital competition, national pride, and legacy games into a unified global showcase.
India’s top-ranked player Arjun Erigaisi, who competed at the Esports World Cup, praised the experience, calling it unlike any traditional chess tournament and highlighting the energy of the esports environment.
Chess commentators and industry leaders have echoed that sentiment, noting that a nation-based format adds emotional stakes rarely seen in individual chess events, while making the game more accessible to esports fans worldwide.
Looking Ahead
With Chess now officially part of the Esports Nations Cup 2026, fans can expect a tournament that blends elite-level strategy with the spectacle of modern esports production — all while players compete not just for themselves, but for their countries.
Additional details about the Esports Nations Cup, including remaining titles and broadcast plans, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
For updates, visit esportsnationscup.com and follow the Esports Nations Cup across social platforms.
