Latest news with #Chess
Times
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Times
Transgender teenager's German chess triumph prompts call for ban
A transgender teenager has caused an upset in German chess circles by winning an under-18 girls' national tournament, prompting calls for tougher rules even in a sedentary sport that relies on brainpower. Nora Heidemann's victory to become German champion in the female category of the youth chess championship in Willingen this month was met with criticism from some players and from the head of the German commission for women's chess, Nadja Jussupow. The former champion said that more trans women were entering women's chess tournaments since the introduction in 2024 of Germany's Self-Determination Act, which made it easier for transgender, intersex and non-binary people to have their gender and forenames changed in the civil status records. 'They haven't undergone any treatment or anything — they merely declared themselves to be women,' Jussupow told the newspaper Welt am Sonntag.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Esports World Cup 2025: Full schedule, prize pool, venues, tickets, live streaming and more
Esports World Cup 2025 schedule, prize pool: The Esports World Cup 2025 is back with its second edition, and it's bigger than ever! Set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 8 to August 24, 2025, this massive global tournament is organised by the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) along with the ESL FACEIT Group. Known as a revamped version of Gamers8, this tournament will feature top esports teams and players from all around the world. Let's explore everything you need to know about the Esports World Cup 2025 schedule, prize pool, brand ambassador, participating games, Club Championship, and how you can watch the live streaming. Esports World Cup 2025: Key Dates and Venue What is the Esports World Cup 2025? The Esports World Cup 2025 is a multi-title global esports tournament featuring a total of 25 popular esports games, including four new games—Chess, Crossfire, FATAL FURY City of the Wolves and VALORANT. Each title has its own tournament structure and qualifying process, but they all come together under one banner — the EWC 2025. What is the Esports World Cup 2025 prize pool? One of the highlights of this year's event is the record-breaking prize pool of $70,450,000, making it the largest prize pool in esports history. Alongside game-based competitions, the event will also host a unique Club Championship, rewarding the best-performing organisations across different titles. Who is the brand ambassador of EWC 2025? On June 13, football legend Cristiano Ronaldo officially became the brand ambassador for the Esports World Cup 2025. Ronaldo share the news by posting on his Instagram page. Over 2,000 Players and 200 Clubs to Compete at Esports World Cup 2025 The Esports World Cup 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest esports tournament in history, bringing together more than 2,000 elite esports players and 200 top Clubs from across the globe. This landmark event will feature a record-breaking prize pool of over $70 million, rewarding players and organisations like never before. Set in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the EWC 2025 will offer not just individual titles but a multi-layered competition structure that benefits top teams, standout players, and upcoming talents alike. Esports World Cup games for 2025 Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Call of Duty Warzone, Chess, Counter-Strike 2, CrossFire, Dota 2, EA Sports FC, FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, Free Fire, Honor of Kings, League of Legends, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Overwatch 2, PUBG: Mobile, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Rainbow Six Siege, Rennsport, Rocket League, StarCraft II, Street Fighter 6, TeamFight Tactics, Tekken 8, VALORANT EWC 2025 Tickets Now Available Fans who want to experience the thrill live can now purchase Esports World Cup 2025 tickets at the official website: With the event expected to draw millions of visitors, securing tickets early is highly recommended. Esports World Cup 2025 Club Championship: $27 Million at Stake The EWC Club Championship is a unique cross-game format that sets the Esports World Cup apart from any other esports event. Out of the $70+ million total prize pool, $27 million is reserved for the top 16 Clubs, based on their performance across all game titles. 1st Place Club: $7 million 2nd to 16th Clubs: Divided prize amounts Based on the overall points across games This format allows Clubs to show their versatility and dominance across multiple esports titles, not just one. Breakdown of the EWC 2025 Prizepool According to the Esports World Cup website, after the $27 million reserved for the Club Championship, the remaining prize money will be split into three main categories: Game Championships: Over $38 million will be awarded across 25 different esports titles, each with its own dedicated tournament. MVP Awards: A special $450,000 MVP Award pool will reward standout players for their individual performances across all games. Road to EWC Qualifiers: More than $5 million will go to teams and players who qualify for the main event through partnered publisher events and tournaments. Esports World Cup 2025 Full Schedule and Prizepool Details Here is a complete overview of the Esports World Cup 2025 schedule, prize money for each title, and the number of participants: Esports World Cup 2025 Full Schedule in PDF What is the Club Championship at EWC 2025? The Club Championship is a unique addition to the Esports World Cup 2025. It ranks esports organisations based on their overall performance across multiple games. To qualify, a club must finish top 8 in at least two games. To win the championship, the club must win at least one title and collect the highest overall points. Points Distribution Table For games with co-placements, 3rd–4th get 500 points, 5th–8th get 200 points. Club Championship Prizepool Breakdown The Club Championship prize pool is set at $27,000,000, which will be split among the top 24 organisations: Where to Watch the Esports World Cup 2025 Live? Fans can watch all matches of the Esports World Cup 2025 via official live streaming on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. The matches will also be streamed on the official channels of each game's publisher, making it easy for global fans to tune in and follow their favourite teams and games. Massive Global Viewership and Success in 2024 The Esports World Cup 2024 set a high benchmark for what's to come. The inaugural edition drew more than 500 million online viewers and welcomed 2.6 million visitors to Riyadh's Boulevard City, making it one of the most-watched esports events in history. Team Falcons' Historic Win at EWC 2024 Team Falcons dominated the 2024 Club Championship with a stunning performance, securing 10 top-three finishes, including three 1st-place wins. They scored a massive 5,665 points, earning them the $7 million top prize and the title of Best Esports Club in the World. 2nd Place: Team Liquid (USA) with 2,545 points 3rd Place: Team BDS (France) with 2,000 points Why You Shouldn't Miss the Esports World Cup 2025 With its largest-ever multi-game structure, record-breaking prize pool, and star-studded line-up of teams and players, the Esports World Cup 2025 is not just another tournament—it's the global celebration of competitive gaming. From epic battles in Valorant, Dota 2, Free Fire, and Counter-Strike 2, to the high-stakes Club Championship showdown, this year's event promises non-stop action and drama. The Esports World Cup 2025 promises to be the most exciting and grand esports event ever. With a record-breaking prize pool, a huge lineup of popular games, and top esports organisations, this year's tournament is set to rewrite the history of competitive gaming. Whether you're an esports enthusiast or a casual fan, this is a tournament you don't want to miss. Mark your calendars for July 8 to August 24, 2025, and get ready to witness the action live from Riyadh or online! For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
United News of India
9 hours ago
- Sport
- United News of India
Aarit talented enough to become another Gukesh: Coach Sareen
New Delhi, June 29 (UNI) Nine-year-old Chess boy wonder Aarit Kapil, who recently held the legendary Magnus Carlsen to a draw in an online tournament, has the potential to reach the top in the game, says International Master (IM) Vishal Sareen. Aarit held Carlsen to a draw in an online blitz game at the 'Early Titled Tuesday' chess tournament on June 24. Besides holding the Norwegian great to a draw, Aarit is the youngest Indian and third youngest in the world to have defeated a Grand Master when he overcame veteran GM Raset Ziatdinov in the 15th KIIT International Chess Festival in Bhubaneswar in December 2024. The Delhi resident also won a silver at the Under 9 Chess nationals, a silver medal in both classical and rapid categories at the Under 8 Asian championships besides several other exploits at such a young age. Aarit's coach International Master (IM) Vishal Sareen describes him as the Sachin Tendulkar of Chess and says that he has the potential to reach the heights of D Gukesh, the reigning World Champion in the Classical format and R Praggnanandhaa, India's current number one player. "Aarit is the Sachin of Chess, the pace at which he picks up things is amazing, I think that going forward there will be no flaws in his game, he is just nine and is meant for very big things. He actually was in a very strong position against Carlsen. He was not overexcited after the match, and said that he wil beat him the next time, of course next time Magnus will be sharper and won't take him lightly, he can reach the level of Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa." Sareen points out that Chess is an expensive sport and without proper international exposure Aarit runs the risk of not reaching his full potential "I hope he gets a sponsor soon as Chess is an expensive sport, training modules, coaching all have high cost and for reaching one's full potential the player needs to compete at international events, so financial support is going to be crucial for him at the moment, which I hope he gets soon." Aarit's father Vijay who works as a Mutual Funds agent says that he has tried to support Aarit as much as possible but going forward it will be very difficult to sustain his training and participation in competitions without a sponsor. "Going abroad for tournaments needs a lot of money yet those tournaments are important in terms of his learning and world ranking is concerned, so I am looking for a sponsor for him right now." Vijay recounts Aarit's meteoric rise in Chess "He was five and a half when he started Chess, his elder sister Aarna taught him, after just one week of learning Chess he defeated me! I recognised that he had great potential we started his coaching. "Soon within a few weeks he registered for an online tournament which he won, he played a few online tournaments after that where he won, later he started winning offline tournaments and state level tournaments as well. He was second in the Under 7 nationals and went on to win Silver medal in both classical and rapid categories at the Under 8 Asian championships," he said. A Class V student of Somerville School, Vasundhara Enclave, Aarit idolises Magnus Carlsen, says Vijay. 'He idolises him (Magnus) and was thrilled to face him, though he was not overawed by the situation, he was in a winning position against him but it ended in a draw." Deputy President of Asian Chess Federation Bharat Singh Chauhan was all praise for Aarit, calling him a resolute fighter, "Aarit is tactically very good and the thing that sets him apart is that he is a fighter who thinks about winning irrespective of the situation, his success again proves that we have very good junior players who are capable of beating anyone in the world," UNI RKM SSP
United News of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- United News of India
Praggnanandhaa wins UzChess Cup Masters 2025, becomes India's No 1 ranked player
Tashkent (Uzbekistan), June 28(UNI) Grand Master R. Praggnanandhaa has emerged as India's number one ranked Chess player after his victory in the UzChess Cup Masters 2025. 19 year old Praggnanandhaa secured a win against Uzbekistan's Nodirbek Abdusattorov in the final match to bag the title on Friday. As a result of this win, Praggnanandhaa, with a live elo rating of 2778.3, rose three positions to move past reigning classical chess world champion D. Gukesh (2776.6) to become the top-ranked Indian player. Praggnanandhaa is now also the World No. 4 ranked player. UNI RKM
New York Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Andy Cohen officially says goodbye to NYC penthouse of 20 years
From Bravo to Broadway, Andy Cohen is officially saying goodbye to his longtime home. Emmy-winning playwright and screenwriter Danny Strong and his partner, actor and producer Caitlin Mehner, have officially closed on Cohen's longtime West Village penthouse duplex for its full $12 million asking price, The Post has learned. The deal, which was finalized on June 26, caps a swift transaction that entered contract just over a month earlier. 11 Emmy-winning playwright and screenwriter Danny Strong and his partner, actor/producer Caitlin Mehner, have officially closed on Andy Cohen's penthouse duplex at 2 Horatio Street for its $12 million asking price. Getty Images for Prime Video The 3,500-square-foot co-op, located at 2 Horatio Street, was assembled over two decades by Cohen, the Bravo star and producer behind 'Watch What Happens Live' and 'Top Chef.' Designed by architect Gordon Kahn with interiors by Eric Hughes, the home is known for its bold use of color, sweeping views of Manhattan landmarks, and dramatic custom details — including a sculptural walnut, steel and glass staircase connecting its two levels. 11 The 3,500-square-foot West Village co-op, which overlooks Jackson Square Park, entered into contract in May after eight months on the market and initially listed for $14 million. Eytan Stern Weber, Evan Joseph Images Strong, whose musical Chess heads to Broadway this fall, called the duplex 'my dream home,' previously telling The Post, 'We are so excited to be moving there.' He and Mehner, new parents to a 7-month-old daughter, had been looking for more space to accommodate their growing family. 11 Designed by architect Gordon Kahn with interiors by Eric Hughes, the home includes a chef's kitchen, a nanny's room, and a glass-and-steel staircase leading to a home office. Eytan Stern Weber, Evan Joseph Images 11 It features 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, two fireplaces, and striking details like a gold-tiled bar, marble fireplaces, and a spa-like main bathroom with Empire State Building views. Eytan Stern Weber, Evan Joseph Images 11 The couple, now parents to a 7-month-old daughter, cited their growing family as a reason for the move. Eytan Stern Weber, Evan Joseph Images The purchase also marks a bit of a real estate shuffle. Strong is in contract to sell his current residence at 299 West 12th Street — the sam Emery Roth-designed building where Cohen just purchased a new penthouse for $18.21 million, The Post reported. That unit reportedly features over 2,000 square feet of outdoor space, something Cohen had long been seeking. 'Outdoor space was the decision! I always have coveted outdoor space,' Cohen told People. 'There is a dearth of inventory in the West Village with outdoor space, so when I found something that was meaningful enough for me to leave my dream apartment … that's what it took.' 11 The residence occupies 3,500 square feet. Eytan Stern Weber, Evan Joseph Images 11 Strong, who wrote 'Empire,' 'Dopesick,' and two 'Hunger Games' films, is also in contract to sell his unit at 299 W. 12th Street—ironically, the same building where Cohen just bought a new $18.21 million penthouse. Oliver Rodriguez/Shutterstock 11 The wet bar. Eytan Stern Weber, Evan Joseph Images The sale also marked a professional milestone for real estate broker and former Million Dollar Listing New York star Ryan Serhant, who shared news of the contract on Instagram back in May. 'Congrats @bravoandy,' he wrote, adding, 'Thanks for trusting me and @serhant with your home.' Serhant later told The New York Times, 'It's one of those treasures that you wait your whole career for.' Cohen had initially listed the property for $14 million in September 2024 before cutting the price by $2 million earlier this year. The duplex ultimately found a buyer after about eight months on the market. 11 A living space. Eytan Stern Weber, Evan Joseph Images 11 One of two fireplaces in the home. Eytan Stern Weber, Evan Joseph Images 11 An ensuite bathroom. Eytan Stern Weber, Evan Joseph Images Serhant and Donna Strugatz of Serhant represented the listing, while Jonathan Stein of Douglas Elliman represented Strong. Inside, the home features 4.5 bathrooms, two wood-burning fireplaces, wide-plank oak floors, and 25 windows offering views of Jackson Square Park, the Empire State Building, and the Chrysler Building. The main suite boasts a custom dressing room, a corner bath with a teak soaking tub, and a marble steam shower. Other highlights include a lacquered bar, a gold-tiled powder room, and a chef's kitchen with cobalt blue cabinetry. Strong is best known for scripting Recount, The Butler, Dopesick, and two Hunger Games films.
