Explained: Why chess and Carlsen's appearance at Esports World Cup 2025 is causing controversy

The chess tournament at the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) kicked off on Tuesday, 29 July. This is the first time that chess is officially part of the Esports World Cup. However, even before the tournament could gain momentum, a controversy surfaced, with fans criticising the inclusion of chess at EWC.

A total of 16 players are participating for a prize pool of $1.5 million, with the winner of the four-day main event taking home $250,000. Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, Arjun Erigaisi, Anish Giri, and Nihal Sarin are among the big names. So, what is the controversy that has embroiled the historic event?

Why the controversy over chess at EWC?

The Esports World Cup is backed by Saudi Arabia as it is being held in the capital Riyadh. Many critics are calling this another example of “sportswashing.” Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries have been accused of using sports to improve the country’s international image despite criticism over their human rights record.

Some believe chess was included in the event to add more credibility, as most of the games that are part of the World Cup are not considered mainstream. Chess has a long history and prestige, and is watched by millions around the globe.

Meanwhile, the EWC also announced five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen as “brand ambassador.” Having someone like Carlsen on board adds more weight to the event. Carlsen is the current World No. 1 player and commands a huge fan base.

Reports from big outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian have pointed out how Saudi Arabia is partnering with top athletes to promote itself. Football star Lionel Messi, for example, reportedly signed a $25 million contract with the country’s tourism board.

One of the clauses in Messi’s contract reportedly prohibits him from saying anything negative about the country. It’s not confirmed if Carlsen has a similar clause, but critics suggest that this has now become a pattern.

Meanwhile, some fans have also argued that chess is not an esports and it shouldn’t have been a part of the World Cup. However, the organisers believe that chess is an esports. All the matches are being played on computers, instead of a traditional board.

Also Read: Exclusive: Nihal Sarin to make Esports World Cup 2025 debut, says new format is the ‘future of chess’

What happened on Day 1?

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

Meanwhile, some big names are still fighting to stay in the tournament. GMs Ian Nepomniachtchi, Vladislav Artemiev, and Andrey Esipenko are in the Losers’ Bracket of Group A.

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

In Group D, GMs Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Fabiano Caruana, and Jan-Krzysztof Duda are still in the race. Day 2 of the tournament will take place on Wednesday, July 30. It will start at 5:30 PM IST.