In a groundbreaking development for the chess community, Grandmasters Arjun Erigaisi and Volodar Murzin have become the first chess players to sign with major esports organizations ahead of the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC). This historic event marks chess’s debut at the EWC. The world’s largest gaming and esports festival is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 31 to August 3.
Arjun Erigaisi Joins Gen.G
Arjun Erigaisi, currently ranked fourth globally, has signed with Gen.G, also known as Generation Gaming. The organization announced the partnership with an AI-generated video on X (formerly Twitter), dubbing the Indian grandmaster “the most interesting chess player alive.” Arjun expressed his enthusiasm by sharing the announcement with his followers.
This collaboration is Arjun’s second major deal, following his $1.5 million contract with Singapore-based quantitative trading firm Quantbox in 2022.
Volodar Murzin Partners with AG Global
Eighteen-year-old Volodar Murzin, who captured the chess world’s attention by winning the World Rapid Championship in New York, has signed with the Vietnamese-Chinese esports organization AG Global. Currently preparing for the Djerba Chess Festival in Tunisia, Murzin is eager to embark on this new journey. His mother, Ekaterina Murzina, conveyed his excitement, stating, “Volodar is happy to join such a strong team and organization.” She added, “There are many strong online tournaments, but the Esports World Cup will be something special in chess. I hope that will help chess to rise to a new level.”
The Esports World Cup and Chess
The 2025 Esports World Cup represents a significant milestone as chess makes its inaugural appearance at the event. To qualify, top players will compete in two key online tournaments within the 2025 Champions Chess Tour. The tour starts with the $150,000 Chessable Masters on February 16. This qualification process has intensified competition among esports organizations to recruit elite chess talent ahead of the summer competition.
The Intersection of Chess and Esports
The integration of chess into the esports arena is a testament to the game’s evolving dynamics and its growing appeal to a broader audience. This fusion offers numerous benefits:
- Increased Visibility: Aligning with prominent esports organizations provides chess players with platforms to reach diverse and expansive audiences.
- Financial Opportunities: While specific terms of these deals remain undisclosed, esports salaries can range from five-figure sums to multimillion-dollar contracts for top-tier players. The EWC boasts a total prize pool of $60 million, with $1.5 million allocated specifically for chess.
- Technological Integration: Esports organizations often have access to advanced streaming technologies and platforms. We see chess players enhance their online presence and engagement.
Pioneers in the Field
Arjun and Murzin are not the first chess players to venture into the esports domain. Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura signed with TSM in 2020 before moving to Misfits Gaming in 2022. Additionally, prominent figures like WFM Alexandra Botez, WFM Anna Cramling, and WGM Nemo Zhou have also secured deals with esports organizations. This highlights a growing trend of collaboration between the two fields.
A New Era for Chess
The inclusion of chess in the Esports World Cup signifies a transformative period for the game. This development elevates the profile of chess and underscores its adaptability and relevance in the modern digital landscape. As the lines between traditional games and digital sports continue to blur, partnerships like these pave the way for innovative opportunities and growth within the chess community.
In conclusion, the signings of Arjun Erigaisi and Volodar Murzin by major esports organizations ahead of the 2025 Esports World Cup mark a pivotal moment in the history of chess. These partnerships highlight the game’s evolution and its expanding influence in the global esports arena.
Link to the original article on chess.com
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