Carlsen Makes History at Esports World Cup
Chess grandmaster Carlsen wins at Esports World Cup, securing the top prize of $250,000 in Saudi Arabia. The 34-year-old Norwegian triumphed in the inaugural online chess tournament at this year’s multi-discipline gaming event.
The Esports World Cup (EWC), held in Riyadh, features 25 global games over seven weeks. Titles like Call of Duty and League of Legends usually dominate. However, this year’s addition of chess sparked debate.
Organizers defended the move, stating chess fits the esports mold due to its massive global following and online presence. The competition setup mimicked traditional esports—players on stage, wearing heart monitors, with large screens and live commentators.
Grandmasters Battle Online for Chess Glory
Top chess players entered the online group stage, with the highest scorers moving on to the playoffs. It was world number one Magnus Carlsen who clinched the title by defeating Alireza Firouzja, ranked eighth globally.
This victory marks a new milestone, 139 years after the first World Chess Champion. Including chess at EWC shows the game’s evolving appeal in digital formats.
Carlsen’s adaptability is well known. Last year, he withdrew from a championship over a dress code dispute but returned once rules relaxed. He embraces chess’s shift toward modern formats.
A New Era for Chess on the Esports Stage
Carlsen praised the experience, saying, “It’s been an amazing show, unlike anything I’ve seen so far.” He believes online chess at events like this will help grow the sport.
The gold-plated trophy wasn’t the only reward. The event opened new doors for chess in the digital age. “Maybe next time we’ll get an even bigger stage,” Carlsen added.
Chess grandmaster Carlsen wins at Esports World Cup, and his win may just redefine how future generations view chess, as both sport and spectacle.
