Top Esports Organizations Sign World’s Best Chess Players: Nakamura Joins Team Falcons, Nepomniachtchi to Aurora Gaming
Team Falcons, the winner of the 2024 Esports World Cup, has made a groundbreaking move by signing world number-two GM Hikaru Nakamura. This announcement comes hot on the heels of Serbian esports organization Aurora Gaming picking up World Blitz Champion GM Ian Nepomniachtchi.
Esports organizations worldwide are increasingly recognizing the value of top chess players, with Team Falcons leading the charge. The Saudi Arabian powerhouse, known for its success in FIFA, Call of Duty, and Fortnite, has now set its sights on dominating the chess scene.
Nakamura, a fan favorite and one of the most popular players and streamers globally, is currently competing in the 2025 Champions Chess Tour to secure his spot in the Esports World Cup. The top 12 players from the CCT will qualify directly, with the remaining four spots up for grabs in a Last Chance Qualifier.
Founded in 2017, Team Falcons has evolved into a leading esports organization, renowned for assembling “superteams” across various games. Their expansion into chess marks a significant milestone in the intersection of traditional sports and esports.
Nakamura’s previous experience with esports teams, including a stint with TSM, has prepared him for this new chapter with Team Falcons. The grandmaster expressed his excitement during the announcement, highlighting the potential of chess as an esport.
Meanwhile, Aurora Gaming’s acquisition of Nepomniachtchi adds another layer of excitement to the chess esports landscape. The Blitz World Champion, known for his gaming prowess in Dota 2, sees chess as a promising esports discipline with the potential to attract a new audience.
With a total of 12 players recently signed by esports organizations, the chess esports scene is heating up. As more top players join the fray, the future of chess in the world of esports looks brighter than ever. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving and dynamic crossover between chess and esports.