Norway's Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana of the U.S. play, during the Norway Chess Open 2024, in Stavanger, Norway, Friday, June 7, 2024. (Carina Johansen /NTB Scanpix via AP)
Carina Johansen/NTB Scanpix/AP
Why chess is forging an unlikely partnership with esports
Stands are prepared for visitors during the opening ceremony of 2024 Esports World Cup is held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on July 2.
Mohammed Saad/Anadolu/Getty Images
A new esports tournament in Saudi Arabia promises to be a game-changer – but it’s also caused division in the industry
Spectators watch video games as gamers from different countries play during an esports and gaming festival Gamers8 at Boulevard Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, July 9, 2023.
Ahmed Yosri/Reuters
Inaugural Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia, worth more than $60M, hopes to send ‘positive message’ to struggling industry
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Paul Sewald throws against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning in Game 7 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Philadelphia Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Brynn Anderson/AP
Analysis: World Series or not – viewership is baseball’s big problem

Video

esports world cup pkg1 card 1.jpg
• Video 2:28
CNN
Video Saudi Arabia is hosting the world’s first Esports World Cup 2:28
esports world cup pkg 2 video card 1.jpg
• Video 2:30
Esports World Cup Foundation
Video Gamers are competing for a record-breaking $60m prize pool at the Esports World Cup 2:30
Javier Zafra, Fnatic's Director for League of Legends
• Video 1:06
CNN
Video Pro-Gamers at Esports World Cup predict explosive industry growth 1:06
Romain Bigeard, the General Manager for League of Legends at G2 Esports
• Video 1:06
CNN
Video Esports World Cup takes competitive gaming to new heights 1:06

Sport photos

Mar 28, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Coen Carr (55) dunks against Mississippi Rebels forward Malik Dia (0) in the second half of a South Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Will
• Gallery Gallery
Dale Zanine/Imagn Images/Reuters
Gallery The best photos from this year’s March Madness
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - APRIL 07: Walter Clayton Jr. #1 of the Florida Gators celebrates after defeating the Houston Cougars in the National Championship of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the Alamodome on April 07, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
• Gallery Gallery
Sam Hodde/Getty Images
Gallery In pictures: Florida wins a thriller to claim third national title

Sport news

CONCACAF president and FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani speaks in Toronto Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press via AP)
Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press/AP
Criticism grows around proposed 64-team World Cup in 2030
Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer in the second half of an NBA preseason game Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Denver.
David Zalubowski/AP
Phoenix Suns fire head coach Mike Budenholzer after disappointing lone season at the helm
Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper had the gender of his fourth child revealed in the form of a blue baseball bat on Monday.
Emilee Chinn/Getty Images
Bryce Harper has gender of fourth child revealed with blue baseball bat
Paige Bueckers arrives prior to the 2025 WNBA draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York.
Cindy Ord/Getty Images
Paige Bueckers, UConn national champion guard, selected No. 1 overall by Dallas Wings in WNBA draft