As chess is set to make its official debut at the Esports World Cup 2025, sportsbook supplier BETBY is redefining how fans interact with the ancient strategy game in a modern betting context.
BETBY is setting a new benchmark for chess betting by unveiling an expanded suite of markets that push well beyond traditional offerings.
“Chess has always been a passion of ours, and today we’re proud to announce the launch of a truly comprehensive chess offering,” said Kirill Nekrasov, head of sportsbook product at BETBY.
“By expanding our market depth and introducing innovative tournaments, including both traditional and AI-driven formats, we’re giving our partners and players a completely new way to engage with the game,” Nekrasov added.
A chess betting market revolution
BETBY’s upgraded portfolio breaks away from conventional markets like outright winner or total moves. The new offering dives into intricate, event-specific outcomes that reflect the tactical depth of chess. Bettors can now wager on:
- The first move made
- The first piece captured
- Number of checks, castlings, and pawn promotions
- Whether there will be an en passant or a stalemate
- If a checkmate will occur before a specific move
These dynamic markets are designed to mirror the decision-making excitement of real-time gameplay, opening the door for a more immersive betting experience.
The innovative platform follows six months of targeted product development aimed at revitalizing chess as a sportsbook staple. BETBY’s strategy reflects a long-term commitment to making chess a core vertical, positioning it alongside the company’s other strengths in esports and traditional sports betting.
“Our vision is ambitious: we want chess and betting to become synonymous, to the point where no modern sportsbook feels complete without chess markets,” Nekrasov said. “We’ve already done this with Betby.Games and esports, now it’s time to do the same with chess.”
Chess enters the Esports World Cup arena
The launch of BETBY’s expanded chess markets arrives just as chess is set to debut at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the tournament set from July 29 to Aug. 1.
Five-time world chess champion Magnus Carlsen, BETBY’s global brand ambassador, will compete under Team Liquid, bringing unprecedented star power to the event and reinforcing the sport’s status in global esports. Carlsen’s presence highlights the convergence of competitive chess and digital platforms, an intersection BETBY is actively shaping with its tech-driven betting experiences.
In addition to Carlsen, the tournament features an elite lineup of the world’s top chess players:
- Hikaru Nakamura (Team Falcons)
- Alireza Firouzja (Team Falcons)
- Fabiano Caruana (Team Liquid)
- Ian Nepomniachtchi (Aurora Gaming)
- Arjun Erigaisi (Gen.G Esports)
- Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Natus Vincere)
- Vladislav Artemiev (Team Spirit)
- Jan-Krzysztof Duda (Twisted Minds)
- Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Team Vitality)
- Wei Yi (Weibo Gaming)
- Vladimir Fedoseev
Four more competitors will earn their spots through the Last Chance Qualifier.
The EWC Chess, hosted on Chess.com, takes the place of the Champions Chess Tour (CCT) Finals as the circuit’s new season-ending event. A total of $1.5 million is at stake in the tournament, with the champion taking home $250,000 and contributing 1,000 points to their club’s overall standings.
The Esports World Cup showcases some of the most popular competitive titles globally, including League of Legends and Dota 2. If you’re looking to get in on the action, be sure to explore the best betting sites for both League and Dota 2.
