Chess-Carlsen claims first Esports World Cup title
FILE PHOTO: Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen reacts ahead of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour in Paris, France, April 7, 2025. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo
Norwegian Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen won the inaugural Esports World Cup chess tournament on Friday, defeating Alireza Firouzja in Riyadh.
World number one Carlsen claimed the $250,000 top prize and saw his Team Liquid sneak ahead in the overall championship after his win over Firouzja.
The prize pool of the tournament was $1.5 million.
"It’s been an amazing show, unlike anything I’ve ever seen," Carlsen said just before lifting the trophy on stage, with pyrotechnics lighting up behind him.
The inclusion of the centuries-old board game in the esports tournament comes after it experienced a significant revival during the pandemic.
