Chess to feature at Esports World Cup for third consecutive year in 2027

Chess will feature at next year's Esports World Cup for a third consecutive edition, with the world's top players set to compete for the title and challenge two-time champion Magnus Carlsen.

The fourth edition of the tournament will return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia after it was shifted to Paris this year, primarily due to security concerns and regional instability caused by the US-Iran war.

Chess.com is once again partnering with the Esports Foundation to determine the players who will qualify for EWC 2027 through an upgraded Champions Chess Tour 2026-2027 cycle.

India fielded its largest-ever chess contingent at EWC 2026, with four Grandmasters in the competition.

Nihal Sarin, Aravindh Chithambaram and Pranesh M represented esports and gaming organisation S8UL Esports, while Arjun Erigaisi competed for Gen.G Esports.

Nihal and Arjun both reached the quarterfinals, underlining India's growing presence in the global competition.

At this year's edition in Paris, 19-year-old Denis Lazavik emerged as a challenger to Carlsen, but the Norwegian went on to defend his title.

Representing Team Liquid, Carlsen defeated Lazavik 2-0 in the final without dropping a single game.

India's presence at the event extended beyond its players, with esports organisation GodLike Esports selected as an EWC Club Partner alongside S8UL Esports.

GodLike was represented in the chess event by Hans Moke Niemann.

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