Chess Makes Debut at DreamHack Dallas as Gateway to 2025 Esports World Cup

Chess players now have a new opportunity to qualify for the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC).

DreamHack Dallas will host a chess tournament from May 23 to 25, offering participants a chance to win four spots at the EWC Last Chance Qualifier and compete for a share of the $20,000 prize fund.

The tournament welcomes both professional and amateur players attending the DreamHack festival at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. Those interested must complete online registration by May 16 to join the competition.

DreamHack, now run by ESL FACEIT Group, has grown tremendously since its beginnings as a small gathering for gaming enthusiasts in the early 1990s. According to festival organizers, what started as a local event has expanded into the world's largest digital festival, drawing tens of thousands of fans to experience gaming competitions, live concerts, and cosplay activities.

The chess tournament structure features four Swiss qualifiers followed by an eight-player double-elimination bracket.

All matches will use the rapid 10+0 time control format and will be played on computers at the festival site, with championship games taking place on a main stage for spectators to enjoy.

The four finalists will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to participate in the EWC Last Chance Qualifier later this year.

This qualifier represents their final opportunity to secure a spot in the $1.5 million chess event at this year's Esports World Cup. Chess will be part of the EWC for the first time, taking place from July 29 to August 1 in Riyadh.

Since the announcement of chess joining the event, numerous grandmasters have signed contracts with various esports organizations.

Among the notable players who have already secured their spots at the EWC through the Champions Chess Tour are Grandmasters Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Ian Nepomniachtchi. The remaining positions will be determined through the second leg of the Champions Chess Tour and the Last Chance Qualifier.

The DreamHack tournament is being promoted as "fully open" with no invitations required, accommodating up to 256 players over the three-day event.