Chess Invades the Esports World: A Revolution in the Making
Team Secret broadens the scope in the realm of chess
In an unprecedented move, Team Secret, a European esports organization, has roped in world-renowned chess grandmaster Anish Giri as their brand ambassador for the 2025 Esports World Cup. Chess, traditionally seen as a traditional game, is making its grand entrance into the world of esports, and it seems like there's no stopping this latest trend.
Giri - the most popular of the 15 grandmasters signed by Team Secret - is none other than a prodigy who earned his grandmaster title at the remarkable age of 14. With four Dutch championship titles and nearly a million followers on social media, Giri is the embodiment of the perfect storm of talent and popularity.
Speaking about the new association, John Yao, CEO of Team Secret, had nothing but glowing words for Giri, "He's a brilliant competitor, with a winner's spirit and a fun personality."
This isn't just Team Secret's move; other top esports organizations such as Team Liquid, Wolves Esports, and Team Falcons have also joined the chess bandwagon. They all set their sights on a piece of the massive $70 million prize pool of the 2025 Esports World Cup, with a heroic $1.5 million earmarked for the chess players.
Anichess: Team Secret's New Chess Venture
In a bid to prepare for the Esports World Cup, Team Secret has also collaborated with Anichess, a free game with Web3 elements created by Animoca Brands and Chess.com. Anichess launched its individual mode at the beginning of 2024, and Yao joined the Anichess team as an advisor to finalize the PvP mode before its scheduled launch.
The partnership aims to bolster Anichess's competitive features by advising on game design and supporting player base growth to create a new platform for playing and learning the noble art of chess.
Chess: The New Esports Kid on the Block
The inclusion of chess in the Esports World Cup program has ignited a growing interest in esports organizations for this classic game. The championship, set to take place in the Saudi capital from July 31 to August 3, has extended its program, making this a monumental step for the world of chess.
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, described the incorporation as an exhilarating event, "Chess has a rich history, is an attraction worldwide, and its competitive scene is thriving; it fits perfectly with our objective of uniting the most popular games and their passionate communities."
The fusion of chess and esports is more than just a strategic effort to enhance the global appeal of esports; it marks the dawn of a new era in competitive gaming. As the worlds of traditional strategy and digital entertainment collide, we usher in a future where games transcend boundaries, attracting players and fans from all walks of life. Get ready to witness chess take its rightful place among the heavyweights of esports!
This article was originally published in Russian on April 15, 2025.
Mark your calendars for July 2, 2025. Get ready to mix and mingle with the best and brightest from the world's largest iGaming community at the iGathering UK Fusion, strategically aligned with iGB London. Immerse yourself in the intriguing world of iGaming and connect with the visionaries transforming the industry!
- In alignment with the 2025 Esports World Cup, Team Secret has collaborated with Anichess, a free Web3 game created by Animoca Brands and Chess.com, to improve its competitive features and grow its player base, marking a new platform for playing and learning chess.
- The International Chess Grandmaster Anish Giri, roped in as the brand ambassador for the 2025 Esports World Cup by Team Secret, will showcase his skills in a newly incorporated chess event, signaling the return of sports to the digital realm.
- With the inclusion of chess in the Esports World Cup program and the merger of traditional strategy and digital entertainment, the iGaming community will have a chance to meet and learn from chess players and industry visionaries at the iGathering UK Fusion on July 2, 2025.
