Chess Esports is Back! Team Liquid Signs Number 2 Ranked Player
Following a successful first year in 2024, which saw the likes of Street Fighter, Tekken, and Fortnite contested for prize pools of over $1million, the Esports World Cup is set to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, once again in 2025. Even more games are joining this year, like Valorant (alongside returning Riot games), Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and the upcoming Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves.
However, perhaps the most interesting new addition to the Esports World Cup this year is what could be considered the first Esport: Chess. Since Chess was announced for the Esports World Cup last week, a number of chess grandmasters have been signing up with Esports teams. World number 4 Arjun Erigaisi, who signed with Gen.G Esports on the same day as the announcement, and number 17 Ding Liren, who joined LGD Gaming earlier today.
Grandmaster, four-time US Open Champion, perennial Candidate, and third highest rated player of all time.
— Team Liquid (@TeamLiquid) February 13, 2025
Our expansion into chess is in great hands. Welcome to Team Liquid, @FabianoCaruana ♘ pic.twitter.com/Yug086zFeD
However, the biggest bombshell for chess at the Esports World Cup yet arrived via a Tweet from Team Liquid. America's youngest chess Grandmaster ever, four-time US Open Champion, and the current number 2 player in the world according to Chess.com, Fabiano Caruana, has been signed by Team Liquid ahead of the Esports World Cup later this year.
In the trailer announcing Caruana's signing, he said, "I'm choosing Team Liquid because they're an organization with a strong legacy and a focus on competitive success," before reiterating his goal of qualifying for the EWC and adding another trophy to his already packed cabinet.
This announcement isn't completely out of left field, as Team Liquid was rumored to be in negotiations for a chess signing following the EWC announcement. However, the rumor from Sheep Esports wasn't that Liquid was eyeing up Caruana, but was instead in negotiations with the current number 1 player Magnus Carlsen. "According to Sheep Esports sources, the 34-year-old Norwegian phenom is in advanced negotiations with, and likely to sign with, Team Liquid, a multi-regional professional esports organization," said Sheep Esports.
However, there could still be some merit to this rumor, as the final few seconds of the Twitter tease posted by Liquid bring the camera back to Caruana. After being congratulated by someone off camera, Cuarana asks, "Who is this chair for?" in reference to an empty seat opposite him – implying that Team Liquid isn't giving up on chess signings with Cuarana.
How does this effect Team Liquid at EWC 2025?
Team Liquid had a good showing at the 2024 Esports World Cup, coming in second in Dota 2, third in Rainbow Six Siege, League of Legends, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. However, this recent chess signing undoubtedly gives Team Liquid a massive advantage in the Esports World Cup 2025 chess tournament.
There are not many players who can go toe-to-toe with Fabiano Caruana, so even on that alone I fancy Team Liquid's chances in the EWC 2025. However, if the rumor of Team Liquid signing Magnus Carlsen turns out to be true, it would take a miracle for anyone to beat that dream team in chess.
