Magnus Carlsen, the top-ranked chess player in the world, has won the first-ever online chess tournament held as part of the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh. The 34-year-old Norwegian grandmaster secured victory against world number eight Alireza Firouzja, earning the champion’s title along with a $250,000 prize.
The Esports World Cup is one of the largest global gaming festivals, featuring over 25 game titles and offering a massive prize pool of $70 million. The addition of chess to the tournament lineup sparked some debate, but organizers defended the inclusion, citing the game's vast online popularity and its global fanbase. They described it as a historic moment for chess—139 years after the first official world champion was crowned.
Carlsen praised the unique atmosphere and format of the competition, calling it an "amazing show" and expressing hope that chess will continue to grow in the esports arena. The tournament featured several grandmasters and followed a professional esports structure, with live audiences, digital setups, heart-rate monitors, and expert commentary.
Known for embracing innovation in chess, Carlsen previously made headlines in 2023 for pulling out of a major tournament due to dress code rules, which were later relaxed. His latest win in Riyadh is seen as a landmark event, potentially paving the way for greater synergy between traditional chess and the modern esports industry.
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