French GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave Joins Team Vitality Ahead of 2025 Esports World Cup
French Grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave Joins Team Vitality Ahead of Esports World Cup
In a groundbreaking move for the world of chess and esports, French Grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave has officially signed with Team Vitality, a leading European esports organization. The announcement comes just in time for the upcoming 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), where chess will make its debut at the prestigious gaming festival.
Team Vitality, known for its success in 13 major games, has welcomed Vachier-Lagrave with open arms, hailing him as one of the best players in the world. The acquisition of the 2021 World Blitz Chess Champion has sparked excitement among the organization’s 13 million fans on social media.
“We are thrilled to announce that Maxime Vachier-Lagrave has signed with Team Vitality and will be representing us at the Esports World Cup and beyond,” said Danny Engels, Corporate Director of Global Operations at Team Vitality. “Maxime is one of the best players in the world, and with his talent and determination, we do not doubt that together, we will bring home trophies.”
Vachier-Lagrave expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership, highlighting the opportunity to compete in the Chessable Masters and the 2025 Champions Chess Tour as key milestones in his journey to qualify for the EWC. The 34-year-old Grandmaster joins a growing list of chess stars who have recently signed with esports teams, signaling a shift in the competitive landscape of the game.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to join Team Vitality for this new adventure in the world of esports!” Vachier-Lagrave said. “Seeing chess take its place alongside some of the biggest games in esports is incredible—it’s a fantastic opportunity to grow the game and inspire the next generation of players.”
With the EWC offering a total prize pool of $1.5 million, the stakes are high for Vachier-Lagrave and his fellow competitors. As the chess world prepares for its debut at the Esports World Cup, all eyes will be on Team Vitality and their newest star player as they aim for victory in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from July 31 to August 3.