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

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• Video 2:28
CNN
Video Saudi Arabia is hosting the world’s first Esports World Cup 2:28
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• 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)
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Sam Hodde/Getty Images
Gallery In pictures: Florida wins a thriller to claim third national title

Sport news

New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson fights for control of the ball with Boston Celtics' Jrue Holiday during the Game 4 on Monday in New York.
Frank Franklin II/AP
Knicks come up huge at home to take 3-1 lead over Celtics as Boston loses star to apparent leg injury
Duke Blue Devils' Cooper Flagg playing against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the NCAA men's basketball tournament's Elite Eight in March.
Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Dallas Mavericks secure No. 1 overall pick after winning 2025 NBA draft lottery
Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Real Madrid looks on during the La Liga EA Sports match between Getafe CF and Real Madrid CF at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on April 23, 2025 in Getafe, Spain. (Photo by Gokhan Taner / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by GOKHAN TANER/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
Gokhan Taner/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images
Legendary soccer coach Carlo Ancelotti set to become new Brazil manager
May 11, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) and forward Obi Toppin (1) celebrate a made basket during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images/Reuters
Indiana Pacers match NBA record in Game 4 rout of Cleveland Cavaliers to push No. 1 seed to brink of elimination