Carlsen's victory highlights chess's growing presence in the esports arena, marking a milestone for the game.
Magnus Carlsen Triumphs at Esports World Cup Chess Tournament
Magnus Carlsen Triumphs at Esports World Cup Chess Tournament
Grandmaster Carlsen secures $250,000 prize after historic win in Riyadh
17 hours ago
In a remarkable achievement, world chess champion Magnus Carlsen has clinched victory in the first-ever online chess competition hosted at the Esports World Cup (EWC) taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 34-year-old Norwegian grandmaster will receive a cash prize of $250,000 (approximately £188,000) for his win.
The inclusion of chess in this year's prestigious tournament has stirred some debate, but the organizers assert that chess qualifies as an esport, with millions of enthusiasts participating globally. The EWC, now in its second iteration, boasts a staggering total prize pool of about $70 million (£50 million). For seven weeks, teams from around the globe will engage in competition across 25 popular gaming titles, including Call of Duty, Street Fighter, and League of Legends.
This year’s addition of chess is seen as a significant advancement for the game, occurring 139 years after the first World Chess Champion was crowned. At the Esports World Cup, competitors perform on a stage with heart-rate monitors, much like traditional sporting events, complemented by large screens, prominent sponsors, and skilled commentators. A series of grandmasters engaged in the online chess competition, which featured an initial group stage leading to playoffs. Carlsen emerged victorious, defeating the eighth-ranked player, Alireza Firouzja.
Carlsen has been known for incorporating modern approaches into chess. Notably, after a dispute regarding dress codes, he announced his return to a major chess competition, having previously withdrawn from the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships due to restrictions on wearing jeans. After receiving the gold-plated EWC trophy, Carlsen remarked, "It's been an amazing show, unlike anything that I've seen so far," expressing hope that this event could pave the way for a larger chess presence in future esports. He suggested that the chess community might have the potential to take center stage in upcoming tournaments.
In a remarkable achievement, world chess champion Magnus Carlsen has clinched victory in the first-ever online chess competition hosted at the Esports World Cup (EWC) taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 34-year-old Norwegian grandmaster will receive a cash prize of $250,000 (approximately £188,000) for his win.
The inclusion of chess in this year's prestigious tournament has stirred some debate, but the organizers assert that chess qualifies as an esport, with millions of enthusiasts participating globally. The EWC, now in its second iteration, boasts a staggering total prize pool of about $70 million (£50 million). For seven weeks, teams from around the globe will engage in competition across 25 popular gaming titles, including Call of Duty, Street Fighter, and League of Legends.
This year’s addition of chess is seen as a significant advancement for the game, occurring 139 years after the first World Chess Champion was crowned. At the Esports World Cup, competitors perform on a stage with heart-rate monitors, much like traditional sporting events, complemented by large screens, prominent sponsors, and skilled commentators. A series of grandmasters engaged in the online chess competition, which featured an initial group stage leading to playoffs. Carlsen emerged victorious, defeating the eighth-ranked player, Alireza Firouzja.
Carlsen has been known for incorporating modern approaches into chess. Notably, after a dispute regarding dress codes, he announced his return to a major chess competition, having previously withdrawn from the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships due to restrictions on wearing jeans. After receiving the gold-plated EWC trophy, Carlsen remarked, "It's been an amazing show, unlike anything that I've seen so far," expressing hope that this event could pave the way for a larger chess presence in future esports. He suggested that the chess community might have the potential to take center stage in upcoming tournaments.
