Esports World Cup 2026 Highlights Chess's Role in Competitive Gaming

The Esports World Cup 2026 is currently taking place at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, featuring a diverse lineup of games, including chess, which has a prize pool of USD 1.5 million. Prominent players such as Magnus Carlsen and several Indian Grandmasters are participating in this year's tournament.

Chess was introduced to the Esports World Cup in 2025 and has returned this year, highlighting its unique position within the esports landscape. Mike McCabe, COO of the Esports Foundation, noted that chess's long-standing competitive history and community engagement qualify it as an esport, despite its traditional roots.

McCabe expressed a desire for esports players to achieve the same level of recognition as IPL cricketers in India, indicating a vision for the future of esports that includes broader audience engagement and recognition. The event's relocation to Paris, initially planned for Riyadh, demonstrates the adaptability and global reach of esports.