Magnus Carlsen Claims First Chess Title at Esports World Cup
World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen secures $250,000 prize after winning the inaugural online chess event at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh.
Carlsen Triumphs in Esports World Cup Chess Debut
Number one ranked grandmaster Magnus Carlsen won the inaugural online chess competition at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, earning $250,000.
Chess Embraced as an Esport
The Esports World Cup, now in its second year with a total $70m prize pool, features 25 titles including Call of Duty and League of Legends. Organisers defended chess's inclusion, citing its global appeal among millions of players.
Tournament Format and Highlights
Over seven weeks, participants compete onstage before live audiences, equipped with heart-rate monitors. Top grandmasters advanced from group stages to playoffs, culminating in Carlsen defeating world number eight Alireza Firouzja in the final.
Carlsen on Modernizing Chess
Carlsen has championed modern approaches to chess, previously boycotting events over dress code disputes. After lifting the EWC trophy, he hailed the event’s format and expressed hope for future expansion into larger venues.
Carlsen’s victory underscores chess’s growing presence in the esports arena and its appeal to diverse, tech-driven audiences.
This topic was reported by BBC News.
Discover the latest news and current events in Tech News as of 02-08-2025. The article titled " Magnus Carlsen Claims First Chess Title at Esports World Cup " provides you with the most relevant and reliable information in the Tech News field. Each news piece is thoroughly analyzed to deliver valuable insights to our readers.
The information in " Magnus Carlsen Claims First Chess Title at Esports World Cup " helps you make better-informed decisions within the Tech News category. Our news articles are continuously updated and adhere to journalistic standards.