Team Spirit Signs Top Speed Chess Specialists for Esports World Cup Qualification
Russian esports organization Team Spirit has made a bold move into the world of esports by signing two of the top speed chess specialists on the planet. Grandmasters Daniil Dubov and Vladislav Artemiev have joined the team and will now set their sights on qualifying for the $1.5 million 2025 Esports World Cup.
The announcement comes hot on the heels of Team Secret’s signing of GM Anish Giri, signaling a resurgence of interest in chess esports. Team Spirit expressed their excitement about the new signings, stating, “Today, Team Spirit begins its journey in a new discipline. We welcome two chess grandmasters to our ranks, Daniil ‘duhless’ Dubov and Vladislav ‘konevlad’ Artemiev.”
Dubov, known for his creative and imaginative playing style, has already made a name for himself in the chess world by winning the 2018 World Rapid Championship and finishing second in the 2023 World Blitz Championship. He expressed his enthusiasm for joining Team Spirit, calling it a perfect fit for his ambitions.
Artemiev, on the other hand, is recognized as one of the world’s best blitz players, with impressive achievements in prestigious events such as the European Championship and the Gibraltar Chess Festival. Despite being less active in recent years, Artemiev remains a formidable opponent and is ready to embark on this new chapter with Team Spirit.
Founded in 2015, Team Spirit has established itself as a powerhouse in various esports titles, including Dota 2, Counterstrike 2, League of Legends, and Hearthstone. With the addition of Dubov and Artemiev to their roster, Team Spirit is poised to make a strong impact in the upcoming Esports World Cup.
The signing of Dubov and Artemiev brings the total number of grandmasters joining esports organizations for the Esports World Cup to 17. As the competition heats up, chess enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting showdown between some of the world’s greatest speed chess stars vying for the coveted title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.