Team Vitality announces the arrival of International Chess Grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave – known as MVL – within the club. With this signing, the Frenchman will represent the club's colors on the biggest international competitive stages and will also participate in activations with fans to bring the worlds of chess and esports closer together. This recruitment is part of Team Vitality's desire to strengthen its entire competitive rosters.
And the chess scene is undoubtedly a growing global arena. The game is experiencing unprecedented growth, captivating millions of players and fans around the world. In 2023 alone, the Chess.com app was downloaded 80 million times, contributing to an impressive billion games played each month. The game’s influence now extends beyond the chessboard, with over six billion views of chess-related content on YouTube. This is a testament to its growing impact in both competition and digital culture.
MVL, TEAM VITALITY'S NEW CHESS STAR
Considered one of the best chess players in the world, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave joins Team Vitality as a five-time winner of the Biel Grandmaster Tournament, two-time winner of the prestigious Sinquefield Cup, and 2021 World Blitz Championship champion. He also achieved the title of Grandmaster at the age of 14, making him one of the youngest Grandmasters in history at the time, before winning the title of World Junior Champion in 2009.
Throughout his career, MVL has ranked among the top 10 players in the world according to the International Chess Federation (FIDE). He is recognized for his mastery of the Sicilian Najdorf and the Grünfeld Defense, two of the most complex and dynamic openings in chess. With his exceptional skills, analytical mind and passion, Maxime comes to the club with boundless ambition.
Currently ranked #7 in the world in rapid chess, MVL will represent Team Vitality at the first stage of the Champions Chess Tour 2025, the Chessable Masters. While chess has officially joined the list of games selected for the second edition of the Esports World Cup (EWC), he also hopes to defend the club's colours at this key tournament for the organization.
“ I am delighted to join Team Vitality for this new adventure in the world of esports! Defending the colors of this club is an exciting challenge. The next two qualifying tournaments will be key steps in my 2025 season to access the EWC. Seeing chess establish itself alongside the biggest games in esports is incredible. It is a great opportunity to develop chess and inspire the next generation of players .” – Maxime 'MVL' Vachier-Lagrave.
AT THE TOP AMONG THE BIGGEST ESPORT EVENTS
With nearly 600 million regular players, chess is one of the most popular strategy games in the world. The meteoric rise of online chess platforms, which have hundreds of millions of members, is a testament to the global craze for this ancient game. Driven by the growing popularity of dedicated streamers on Twitch and YouTube, the board game has become a true cultural phenomenon, enjoyed by players of all ages and backgrounds.
And today, they are entering one of the biggest international esports tournaments with the Esports World Cup. The integration of chess into the 2025 edition will allow the game to be highlighted and promote the innovation and growth of its ecosystem. This tournament, which is crucial for the club, will be played in a rapid 10+0 format. This pace is perfectly suited to the playing style of MLV, Team Vitality's new recruit. This format offers an ideal balance that allows players to demonstrate all their strategic finesse while maintaining a sustained pace that guarantees a captivating spectacle.
“ We are delighted to announce the signing of Maxime Vachier-Lagrave with Team Vitality. At a time when online chess is experiencing an unprecedented boom, we are proud to be part of this competitive adventure with him and honored to partner with a French grandmaster. Maxime is one of the best players in the world, and with his talent and determination, we have no doubt that together we will achieve new trophies. ” – Danny Engels, Corporate Director of Global Operations at Team Vitality.