Aurora Gaming Signs Ian Nepomniachtchi as First Chess Player in Esports Expansion

Posted : 19 February 2025

Aurora Gaming has made history by signing Blitz Chess World Champion Ian Nepomniachtchi, marking the first time the Serbian esports organization has added a chess player to its roster. The Russian grandmaster will now compete under Aurora Gaming’s banner in major chess events, including the ongoing Champions Chess Tour, where he is one of the invited participants. His addition signals the growing intersection between traditional chess and the esports world, further solidified by the inclusion of chess in the 2025 Esports World Cup.

Nepomniachtchi, currently ranked as Russia’s top chess player and ninth globally, has a distinguished career, including two consecutive victories in the Candidates Tournament. Speaking on his new partnership, he expressed excitement about the future of chess as an esports discipline and the potential to engage a broader audience through a dynamic format. Aurora Gaming, which actively competes in Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Apex Legends, views this signing as an opportunity to expand its footprint in the competitive chess scene, joining other top-tier esports organizations that have recently recruited grandmasters.

With chess becoming a key part of the esports landscape, Nepomniachtchi is expected to participate in the highly anticipated Esports World Cup, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, starting June 28, 2025. Aurora Gaming welcomed him via an announcement on X (formerly Twitter), referring to him as a renowned grandmaster, Dota streamer, and World Champion. His involvement not only strengthens Aurora’s brand in chess esports but also reinforces the growing crossover between video gaming and chess.

Aurora Gaming is not alone in embracing the trend of chess in esports. Other major organizations have also signed top players, including Hikaru Nakamura joining Team Falcons, Nodirbek Abdusattorov linking up with NAVI, and Magnus Carlsen being recruited by Team Liquid. The shift reflects the increasing recognition of chess as a competitive digital sport, offering new opportunities for players and organizations alike. With its strong presence across multiple esports titles and prize earnings of approximately $1.5 million, Aurora Gaming is positioning itself as a key player in this evolving landscape.

Aurora Gaming Signs Ian Nepomniachtchi as First Chess Player in Esports Expansion

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