Magnus Carlsen Wins First-Ever Chess Esports World Cup

In a landmark moment for competitive chess, Magnus Carlsen claimed victory at the first edition of the Chess Esports World Cup (EWC 2025) in Riyadh, defeating Alireza Firouzja of Team Falcons in a dominant display. Representing Team Liquid, Carlsen further cemented his legacy by showcasing his mastery both on the board and in the new era of esports-driven chess.

The Grand Final: Carlsen vs Firouzja

The Grand Final turned into a showcase of Carlsen’s brilliance. Over the course of seven games, the Norwegian legend secured four wins, two draws, and just one loss, making it clear why he remains the world’s No. 1 Blitz player (2937 Elo).

• Opening Set: Carlsen began strong with a win and two draws, taking a 3-1 lead.
• Firouzja’s Comeback: Firouzja capitalized on a rare rook blunder by Carlsen, earning his only win after 50 moves.
• Final Blow: Carlsen responded ruthlessly, punishing Firouzja’s weak openings and sealing the match with calm precision. His ability to manage the clock and stay composed was highlighted by the live heart-rate displays, where Magnus remained steady while Firouzja showed visible pressure.

Tournament Structure

The Chess Esports World Cup 2025 featured,

• Group Stage: Sixteen players from thirteen teams competed in a GSL-style double elimination bracket, with eight advancing to the playoffs.
• Playoffs: An eight-player single-elimination bracket where semifinal losers played a third-place match.
• Finals: A best-of-five series, unlike the earlier best-of-three rounds.
• Carlsen advanced after a fiery semifinal victory over Hikaru Nakamura, another Team Falcons star.

Carlsen’s Competitive Spirit

Carlsen didn’t shy away from bold statements during the event. Responding to Team Falcons’ pre-match banter, he quipped,

• “Better do well in other games because you’re not going to win chess.”
• After defeating Nakamura in the semifinals, he added:
• “I’ve got my bow and arrow ready, I’ve shot one Falcon, I want to shoot one more tomorrow.”
• He delivered on that promise, taking down Firouzja to complete a double over Team Falcons.

Prizes and Impact

• Magnus Carlsen: Crowned champion, he earned $250,000 and 1,000 Club Championship points, propelling Team Liquid into serious contention for the overall Club Championship trophy.
• Alireza Firouzja: Secured second place, bringing Team Falcons close to the top spot but still short of the overall win. He took home $190,000.
• This prize pool ranks among the largest in competitive chess history, underscoring the growing influence of esports in the chess world.