Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen has made history by winning the first online chess tournament at the Esports World Cup (EWC) held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Norwegian maestro, aged 34, is set to take home a prize of $250,000 (approximately £188,000) following his victory.
The EWC, recognized as one of the largest multi-discipline gaming tournaments globally, has sparked debate over including chess as part of its roster this year. Nevertheless, organizers defended the inclusion, noting chess's widespread participation across various demographics.
This edition of the Esports World Cup is the second of its kind and boasts a staggering prize pool of around $70 million (£50 million). Over seven weeks, competitors from around the world engage in 25 popular games, including titles like Call of Duty, Street Fighter, and League of Legends. Incorporating chess into the competition marks a significant milestone for the sport, occurring 139 years after the first World Chess Champion was crowned.
At the EWC, players compete in front of a live audience using heart-rate monitors, similar to traditional sports events, complete with large screens and prominent sponsorships. The tournament format involved a group stage, with top players advancing to the playoffs, culminating in Carlsen's conquest of eighth-ranked Alireza Firouzja.
Carlsen has been a proponent of modernizing chess, having previously exited the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships over strict dress codes. After claiming victory, he expressed delight over the event, stating, "It's been an amazing show, unlike anything that I've seen so far." He added, “I really hope that this is a big part of the future for chess. Maybe we can get on a bigger stage next time," highlighting the tournament's success and popularity.
