The world number one adapts seamlessly to the digital arena, winning three straight games after an early loss and cementing his place in chess and esports history.
BY PC Bureau
August 1, 2025 — World number one Magnus Carlsen has added another historic title to his already glittering resume, becoming the first-ever Chess Esports World Cup Champion. In a dramatic finale held in Riyadh, Carlsen overcame French-Iranian Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja, winning the last three games of their best-of-four series to seal the victory.
With this win, Carlsen claimed the $250,000 top prize, while also propelling his team, Team Liquid, ahead in the overall Esports World Cup championship standings.
The Esports World Cup, an ambitious multi-game global tournament, introduced chess for the first time this year, signaling a growing convergence between traditional mind sports and the competitive online gaming world.
“It’s amazing to be part of the first-ever Chess Esports World Cup,” Carlsen said after his win. “The format was fast, intense, and the competition fierce. Alireza played fantastic throughout, but I’m happy with how I pulled through.”
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The grand final started with Firouzja drawing first blood, taking the opening game with precise and aggressive play. But Carlsen responded like a true champion—rebounding to win three games in a row, showcasing his brilliance in rapid-time formats and once again proving why he’s still the king of chess in all forms.
Team Liquid Magnus Carlsen wins the inaugural Esports World Cup Chess tournament!
Magnus defeated Nihal Sarin, Hikaru Nakamura, and then Alireza Firouzja TWICE on his way to the trophy! 🏆 #EWC pic.twitter.com/yoc4iu08Vb
— Chess.com (@chesscom) August 1, 2025
“Losing the first game didn’t feel great,” Carlsen admitted. “But I stayed calm and trusted my instincts. These shorter formats are about keeping your nerve, and I think I managed that.”
Firouzja, 22, widely considered one of Carlsen’s potential successors, was gracious in defeat and hailed the tournament’s impact on chess.
“This event is a game-changer. It brings chess to a whole new generation,” said Firouzja. “I gave it my best, but Magnus was just too good today.”
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The chess leg of the Esports World Cup featured a $1.5 million prize pool, with 16 of the world’s top grandmasters competing in a knockout bracket format optimized for rapid online play. The event was broadcast globally with cutting-edge production, bringing the intensity of high-level chess to new and younger audiences.
Carlsen’s win marks a milestone in how the sport is evolving: from silent halls of classical tournaments to roaring digital arenas backed by global esports giants.
🌍 Team Liquid’s Boost
Carlsen’s success also gave a crucial lead to his esports organization, Team Liquid, in the overall points tally of the World Cup, edging ahead of competitors like G2 Esports and FaZe Clan in the multi-game championship race.
“Magnus delivered big for us,” Team Liquid said in a statement. “This is more than a win—it’s a signal that chess belongs in the heart of the esports world.”
📊 Final Result
| Player | Score | Prize Money |
| Magnus Carlsen | 3-1 | $250,000 |
| Alireza Firouzja | 1-3 | $150,000 |
Already a five-time classical World Champion and winner of multiple Rapid and Blitz titles, Carlsen now adds the first-ever Esports World Cup trophy to his expansive collection. At 34, he continues to reinvent himself — embracing new platforms, new formats, and new audiences.
“Chess is evolving, and I love being part of that journey,” Carlsen said.
