Esports World Cup Moves To France—But Clash With Grand Chess Tour Remains Unresolved

The rumour mill had been in full flow ever since the Iran war broke out nearly three months ago.

Then, earlier this week, it was confirmed: the Esports World Cup, and with it the event's second chess tournament, has been moved from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to Paris, France.

A relief, perhaps. Or at least certainty.

But not for the Grand Chess Tour (GCT), which is still smarting at the Saudi-backed Esports Foundation's decision to hold its event at the same time as a GCT event.

In that respect, nothing has changed: the tension between the two sets of organisers remains. The well-established GCT, which refused to reschedule tournaments when the clash became clear, will have to accept a new player is encroaching on its turf.

Can the GCT compete? It will be hard when your competitor has French president Emmanuel Macron making its announcements:

The EWC also boasts world number-one, GOAT of chess and the biggest box office draw of them all GM Magnus Carlsen. Not to mention GM Hikaru Nakamura and last year's runner-up and recent ankle injury victim GM Alireza Firouzja.

It's a powerful line-up which leaves the rest of the chess elite with a difficult choice in August: the traditional prestige of the GCT's Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz, which they might stand a chance of winning, or the glitz and glamour of the world's largest esports event.

The issue has already been raised by the players, several of whom publicly raised concerns in an open letter complaining about being forced to choose between major events.

The EWC has promised a cool $1.5 million prize pot and expanded 21-player field at the tournament.

The format has been tweaked too, adding a play-in stage before a revamped group stage and playoffs—very much in line with esports structures rather than traditional chess tournaments.

Back in February, GCT organisers were feeling the pressure and sent out this unusual statement on the situation:

But the EWC was unmoved, at that point saying the event would plough on in Riyadh regardless.

Meanwhile, qualification has been on-going, with the dangerous Pole GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda, Indian speed specialist GM Nihal Sarin and young Belarusian GM Denis Lazavik the big names to secure a place so far.

The EWC Last Chance qualification tournament is scheduled to take place from August 6 to 8, while the main tournament is planned for August 11 to 15. The Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz tournament, part of the Grand Chess Tour, will take place from August 2 to 6.

Come what may, the EWC will happen. And one thing is for sure: it won't be an easy invite to turn down.