Magnus Carlsen Triumphs in First Online Chess Tournament at Esports World Cup

Magnus Carlsen, the reigning chess grandmaster, has emerged victorious in the first-ever online chess competition at the Esports World Cup held in Riyadh. The milestone event drew controversy but showcased chess on a grand stage, with Carlsen winning a $250,000 prize and advocating for its future in esports.

Magnus Carlsen, the world's number one chess grandmaster, has taken home the championship title in the inaugural online chess competition at the Esports World Cup (EWC), hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 34-year-old Norwegian chess star received a prize of $250,000 (approximately £188,000) for his victory, which underscores a groundbreaking moment for chess within the realm of competitive gaming.

The Esports World Cup, one of the largest multi-discipline gaming tournaments, faced mixed reactions with the inclusion of chess this year. However, tournament organizers defended the choice, emphasizing that the game is enjoyed globally by millions across various age groups.

Now in its second year, the EWC boasts a staggering total prize pool of around $70 million (£50 million) and spans over seven weeks, featuring teams from across the globe competing in 25 popular games, including titles like Call of Duty, Street Fighter, and League of Legends. The integration of chess has been touted as a significant achievement, marking a new horizon for the game 139 years after the crowning of the first World Chess Champion.

During the competition, players performed from computer setups situated on stages in front of live audiences, using heart-rate monitors much like traditional sports. State-of-the-art screens, prominent sponsorships, and engaged commentators enhanced the atmosphere. Several top grandmasters participated, progressing through a structured group stage leading to playoffs, culminating in Carlsen beating Alireza Firouzja, the eighth-ranked player.

Carlsen, recognized for his willingness to modernize chess, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, "It's been an amazing show, unlike anything that I've seen so far." He also hopes that such events become integral to chess in the future, suggesting that they could reach an even larger audience, as demonstrated by their popularity at the tournament.