Saudi Arabia: Magnus Carlsen, the world’s number one chess grandmaster, has emerged victorious in the first-ever online chess tournament held as part of the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The 34-year-old Norwegian secured the top spot after defeating world number eight Alireza Firouzja in the showdown. His victory not only earned him the championship title but also a $250,000 prize (approximately £188,000).
The EWC, one of the world’s largest professional gaming festivals, is currently hosting teams and players across 25 game titles over seven weeks. With a total prize pool of around $70 million (£50 million), the event includes mainstream games such as Call of Duty, Street Fighter, and League of Legends and for the first time, chess.
The inclusion of chess in this year’s EWC schedule had sparked debate, with some questioning its place in the competitive gaming arena. However, organisers defended the move, noting the game’s massive global following and its increasing online presence. They also hailed the decision as a historic moment, marking a ‘new milestone’ for the sport, 139 years after the crowning of the first official World Chess Champion.
Carlsen, known for his modern approach to the ancient game, welcomed the integration of chess into the esports scene. Speaking after his win, he praised the format and atmosphere of the competition.
Carlsen remarked that, “It’s been an amazing show, unlike anything that I’ve seen so far. I really hope that this is a big part of the future for chess. Maybe we can get on a bigger stage next time.”
Carlsen’s performance came in a field that included multiple grandmasters. The tournament followed a structured format with group stages leading to intense playoff rounds in front of a live audience. Players competed while seated at computer stations on a stage equipped with heart-rate monitors, large screens, high-profile sponsors, and live commentary, mimicking the setup of major esports contests.
Carlsen has long been an advocate for modernising chess. In 2023, he made headlines after withdrawing from the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York over a dress code dispute. Carlsen returned to high-level competition after the sport’s governing body eased its clothing regulations.
The Norwegian’s triumph in Riyadh is being hailed as a landmark moment in both chess and esports, potentially opening the door for further crossover between the two competitive domains.
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