Chess will once again feature in the Esports World Cup, scheduled for 2027, continuing its streak for a third consecutive year. The event will see the world's top players, including two-time champion Magnus Carlsen, compete for the prestigious title, further solidifying chess's place within the esports landscape. This announcement comes as part of the ongoing evolution of the Esports World Cup, which has embraced chess since its debut in 2025, drawing fans from both the esports community and traditional chess enthusiasts alike.

The upcoming Esports World Cup will take place in Riyadh, where players will vie for glory against formidable opponents. Chess.com, the largest chess community globally, is collaborating with the Esports Foundation to identify the competitors through the newly revamped Champions Chess Tour for the 2026-2027 season. The last edition of the tournament showcased thrilling matches, including Carlsen's impressive defense of his title against rising star Denis Lazavik, who had previously defeated notable players like Hikaru Nakamura and Nodirbek Abdusattorov during the playoffs.S2

As the chess community gears up for the 2027 tournament, attention is already turning to potential challengers. Magnus Carlsen, who successfully defended his title at the 2026 event without losing a single game, is expected to return, aiming for a historic three-peat. The road to the Esports World Cup 2027 is underway, with many players eager to prove themselves and potentially dethrone Carlsen, setting the stage for an exciting competition in Riyadh next year.S2