The world of chess is experiencing a new era of financial incentives as the game makes its exciting debut at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, offering unprecedented prize money, even for players who don’t secure a single win.
Chess Takes the Esports Stage
Sixteen of the globe’s elite chess grandmasters have converged in Riyadh for the inaugural chess event at the Esports World Cup. Representing their respective clubs, these players are vying for significant stakes in a tournament that blends traditional intellectual competition with modern esports spectacle.
Among the formidable lineup are India’s own Arjun Erigaisi and Nihal Sarin, showcasing the diverse talent pool participating. Following an intense first day of competition, four players have already clinched their spots in the quarter-finals: Levon Aronian, Arjun Erigaisi, Alireza Firouzja, and the reigning world champion, Magnus Carlsen.
Other top players, including the likes of Ian Nepomniachtchi, Anish Giri, Hikaru Nakamura, and Fabiano Caruana, are currently battling it out in the Losers Brackets, aiming to secure the remaining quarter-final berths.
Guaranteed Payouts: A Game Changer
What truly sets this tournament apart is its staggering prize pool. The total prize money allocated for the chess event at the Esports World Cup stands at an impressive $1.5 million. But here’s the most eye-catching detail: the four players who finish at the very bottom of the 16-player standings will each take home a remarkable $50,000.
This means that even if a player loses every single game they play throughout the event, they are still guaranteed to walk away with approximately Rs 43 lakh. This unprecedented floor for winnings highlights the immense financial backing behind the event.
Understanding the Generosity
To put this into perspective, $50,000 is the same amount Divya Deshmukh received for winning the prestigious FIDE Women’s World Cup. The difference lies in the nature of the organizations.
FIDE, the global governing body of chess, carries extensive responsibilities beyond just organizing top-tier tournaments. Its mandate includes promoting the sport at grassroots levels across over 200 nations and overseeing various world championships across all age groups.
In contrast, the Esports World Cup is largely bankrolled by private entities and receives substantial support from the cash-rich Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which serves as the host nation. This robust financial backing allows for prize structures that are significantly more lucrative than traditional chess events.
The Full Prize Breakdown
While the guaranteed minimum is impressive, the top prizes are truly life-changing. The winner of the tournament will receive a massive $250,000, which translates to approximately Rs 2.1 crore.
- Winner: $250,000 (approx Rs 2.1 crore)
- 2nd place: $190,000 (approx Rs 1.6 crore)
- 3rd place: $145,000 (approx Rs 1.2 crore)
- 4th place: $115,000 (approx Rs 1 crore)
- 5th place (four players): $85,000 each (approx Rs 74 lakh)
- 9th place (four players): $65,000 each (approx Rs 56 lakh)
This incredible prize money structure at the Esports World Cup is certainly setting a new standard for professional chess, potentially drawing even more talent and attention to the game on the global stage.
