IMC is the proud primary sponsor of Team Liquid Chess, with players including Magnus Carlsen, five-time World No. 1 and the highest-rated chess player in history, and Fabiano Caruana, World No. 2 and reigning four-time United States Chess Champion.

Team Liquid have secured multi-year contracts with the two chess grandmasters, who will represent the world’s number-one esports team at a range of tournaments worldwide alongside other players yet to be announced. The IMC logo will appear prominently on the players’ jerseys during competitive events, including at the 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – marking the first-ever inclusion of competitive chess in the tournament.

IMC joined forces with Team Liquid in 2021, gaining brand exposure at events that attract millions of gaming fans – individuals who often possess the analytical skills we value in top talent.While chess hasn’t traditionally been considered an esport, its recent surge in popularity on platforms like Twitch and Chess.com has cemented its place in gaming culture.

“Chess is about the ability to problem-solve and think strategically under pressure: qualities that IMCers demonstrate in their work every day,” says Global Head of Marketing Matthew Rose. “We’re thrilled to support the introduction of chess into esports through our partnership with the top esports team, Team Liquid, while deepening our connection to a growing community of chess lovers."