Magnus Carlsen Secures Victory at Esports World Cup Chess Tournament

Sun Oct 19 2025 10:17:46 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a landmark event for online chess, grandmaster Magnus Carlsen takes home $250,000 after winning at the Esports World Cup.

Magnus Carlsen, the world's leading chess grandmaster, clinched victory at the inaugural Esports World Cup held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, earning a substantial $250,000 prize. This year's tournament marked the inclusion of chess among various competitive games, a move that sparked debate among traditionalists. Over seven weeks, competitors from around the globe showcased their skills across multiple games, with chess reaching new heights in popularity. The grandmaster defeated the eighth-ranked Alireza Firouzja to secure the title, a triumph that Carlsen hopes paves the way for a brighter future for chess in the esports arena.

In Riyadh, the Esports World Cup (EWC) has established itself as one of the foremost tournaments in professional gaming, featuring a whopping prize pool of around $70 million. This year's event is particularly noteworthy for its inclusion of chess, sparking discussions about its legitimacy as an esport. Chess, while often viewed as a traditional game, was played by millions and showcased in a vibrant tournament atmosphere complete with sponsorships and live commentary.

Carlsen's victory at the EWC celebrated the game’s transition into the digital space, with competitors engaging from a stage that resembled traditional sports events, complete with heart-rate monitors and large screens broadcasting the action. The 34-year-old grandmaster expressed excitement about the event, stating, "It's been an amazing show, unlike anything that I've seen so far." He also noted his hopes that chess's esports presence could lead to its growth in future tournaments.

Last year, Carlsen made headlines by stepping away from the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships due to a personal conflict over dress codes. However, he has shown commitment to innovating the sport to suit modern audiences, indicating readiness to take chess into new realms. By defeating Firouzja and taking home the gold-plated EWC trophy, Carlsen reaffirmed his status not only as a traditional chess master but also as a pioneer in evolving the game for new generations.