Chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen Wins Esports World Cup

• Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen has won the inaugural online chess tournament at the Esports World Cup. He took home $250,000 in a historic victory.

Chess Joins the Esports Stage

Magnus Carlsen, the world’s top-ranked grandmaster, has secured a significant victory in the inaugural online chess competition at the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh. Carlsen, 34, from Norway, walked away with a prize of $250,000 for his win. The inclusion of chess in the EWC’s multi-discipline tournament was initially a point of debate, with organizers arguing the game’s global popularity and online format qualify it as an esport. This tournament is the second of its kind, featuring a massive total prize pool of about $70 million.

The EWC spans seven weeks and hosts teams from around the globe competing in 25 popular video games. Some of these titles include Call of Duty, Street Fighter, and League of Legends. Organizers believe the addition of chess has marked a new milestone for the game, which has a history stretching back 139 years to its first world champion. The tournament environment resembles a traditional sporting event, with large screens, major corporate sponsors, and professional commentators.

Competitors in the online chess tournament played on a stage in front of a live audience, with some wearing heart-rate monitors. The format included a group stage, followed by a playoff round for the top players. Carlsen, widely considered the world’s best traditional chess player, ultimately clinched the title by defeating grandmaster Alireza Firouzja. His victory confirms his dominance in both traditional and modernized formats of the game.

Carlsen’s History with Modernizing Chess

Magnus Carlsen is no stranger to embracing change and modernity within the world of chess. He previously made headlines by returning to a major chess competition only after its governing body agreed to relax its strict dress code. Carlsen had previously withdrawn from the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships after he was told he could not continue playing while wearing jeans. His actions highlight a push for the sport to be more accessible and less formal.

After his victory at the EWC, Carlsen expressed his enthusiasm for the event, describing it as an “amazing show.” He stated his hope that such tournaments represent a significant part of chess’s future. He also suggested that the game could move to an even bigger stage in future tournaments, reflecting the positive reception it received. Carlsen’s active participation and vocal support for these modern formats showcase a desire to expand chess’s audience and appeal.

The Esports World Cup

The Esports World Cup is one of the largest and most prestigious multi-discipline tournaments in competitive gaming. It attracts top teams and players from around the world to compete for significant prize money across a diverse range of games. The event’s structure is designed to appeal to both traditional sports fans and the burgeoning esports community.

The EWC’s goal is to create a platform that celebrates competitive gaming in all its forms, from first-person shooters and fighting games to strategy titles and now, online chess. The inclusion of chess and other non-traditional esports demonstrates a growing recognition of skill-based, competitive games played online. This trend is broadening the definition of what constitutes an “esport.”