Magnus Carlsen Wins Inaugural Esports World Cup Chess Title

Magnus Carlsen won the inaugural 2025 Esports World Cup chess tournament in Riyadh, defeating Alireza Firouzja in the grand final to claim the $250,000 top prize and help Team Liquid take the lead in the overall championship. The tournament featured a $1.5 million prize pool and fast 10-minute time control games without increment, designed to appeal to an esports audience. Carlsen’s victory followed a dramatic semifinal win over Hikaru Nakamura, who subsequently secured third place by defeating Arjun Erigaisi. The inclusion of chess in the Esports World Cup reflects the game’s rise in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic and its successful transition to online and hybrid formats, with Carlsen emphasizing that chess is well-suited for the digital era. This tournament marks a significant milestone in chess’s evolution, combining traditional skill with rapid, accessible gameplay that engages a broader audience. The event garnered global attention and demonstrated the potential for chess to thrive within esports ecosystems.