Magnus Carlsen, the Chess Grandmaster, has become a global superstar due to his exceptional skills on the chessboard. As esports organizations start to make inroads into the Chess scene, it’s no surprise that Carlsen is a top target.
With Chess now having its own spot at the prestigious Esports World Cup, where millions of dollars are at stake, the industry’s biggest organizations are rushing to secure top Chess talent. According to a report from Sheep Esports, one of the most accomplished Chess players of all time, Magnus Carlsen, is in advanced negotiations to join the ranks of Team Liquid.
Carlsen’s signing with Team Liquid would be a major coup for the organization, as the Chess Grandmaster is known for his strong results and captivating personality, which have made him a superstar even beyond the traditional Chess audience.
As the Esports World Cup expands its influence and partners with Riot Games, more organizations than ever are looking to get involved. With Carlsen himself announcing Chess’ inclusion in the EWC lineup, it’s no surprise that he’s seeking to participate.
Carlsen isn’t the only Chess star being scooped up by esports organizations in 2025. Gen.G has signed Indian Chess Grandmaster Anjun Erigaisi, while Team Vitality has picked up French Chess Grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. This is likely just the beginning of a wave of Chess talent being signed by esports teams.
The Esports World Cup offers not only individual game prizes but also a grand prize for the overall top-placing team. In 2024, the Falcons team took home a staggering $7 million on top of their other winnings. With such lucrative rewards on the line, expect to see many more Chess players joining esports organizations in the coming years.