Chess looking for new audiences with Esports World Cup looming

French chess grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave poses at the headquarters of the Vitality Esports team in Paris, France, March 3, 2025. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq/ File Photo

PARIS (Reuters) - Chess is getting ready to make its foray into Esports with teams recruiting top players ahead of this summer's Esports World Cup, hoping to attract new audiences as the game continues to grow in spectacular fashion.

Sixteen players will compete for a $1.5 million prize pot in Riyadh from July 31-August 4 with world number one Magnus Carlsen and top streamer Hikaru Nakamura expected to be among the contenders.