CCT Chess.com Classic 2025: Carlsen, Hikaru & Gukesh to Headline the Line-up
Chess.com has unveiled the eight invited players for the 2025 Chess.com Classic, the final online event of the Champions Chess Tour (CCT), set to take place from May 18 to May 23. This high-stakes tournament will determine the remaining 9 qualifiers for the prestigious Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 29 to August 1, 2025, where a $1.5 million prize pool awaits.
Leading the lineup is world number-one GM Magnus Carlsen, fresh off his victory in the 2025 Chessable Masters, securing his EWC spot. Joining him is world number-two GM Hikaru Nakamura, who earned his EWC qualification with a second-place finish in the same event. GM Ian Nepomniachtchi, third in the Chessable Masters, also returns, having clinched his EWC ticket. The trio, representing Team Liquid, Team Falcons, and Aurora Gaming respectively, will aim to dominate.
Other invited players include World Champion GM Gukesh Dommaraju and former champion GM Ding Liren. GMs Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, and Wei Yi round out the elite field, promising intense competition. Eight players will be able to join the playoffs via Play-In phase, set to take place on May 19. The winner directly qualifies while players finishing 2nd through 15th will play a knockouts matches, enabling seven more to go through.
With $150,000 and crucial CCT points at stake, the Chess.com Classic will feature rapid 10+0 matches, ensuring fast-paced chess action which would enforce excitement for the audience.
Fans can catch the action starting May 19 at 8:00 PM PT on Chess.com’s platforms, as these titans fight for a chance to shine on the global esports stage!
