Magnus Carlsen Triumphs in Groundbreaking Online Chess Event at Esports World Cup

The tournament featured a $250,000 prize and showcased chess's growing acceptance as an esport, marking a historic moment for the game 139 years after the first champion's title was awarded.

Magnus Carlsen, the reigning chess grandmaster, has made headlines by emerging victorious in the pioneering online chess tournament at the Esports World Cup (EWC), held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Norwegian champion, aged 34, will be awarded $250,000 (approximately £188,000) for his remarkable achievement.

The EWC, recognized as one of the largest multi-discipline gaming tournaments, has sparked debate over the inclusion of chess, with organizers contending that its worldwide player base justifies its status as an esport. This year's event marks the second iteration of the EWC, boasting a staggering total prize pool of around $70 million (£50 million). Over seven weeks, teams from across the globe compete in a variety of popular games, from Call of Duty to Street Fighter and League of Legends.

The integration of chess into this year's schedule has been celebrated as a significant milestone for the game, occurring 139 years after the first World Chess Championship. At the EWC, players perform onstage with heart-rate monitors and face live audiences, similar to traditional sports, complete with major sponsors and real-time commentators. The tournament featured prestigious grandmasters, who first competed in group stages before advancing to the playoffs.

Carlsen demonstrated his skill in front of a captivated audience, ultimately defeating the eighth-ranked player, Alireza Firouzja, to secure his title. Known for his willingness to adapt to modern trends in chess, Carlsen previously made headlines when he stepped back from the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships due to a dispute over his attire. Following a successful negotiation to allow jeans, he decided to return to major competitions.

Reflecting on the unique nature of the EWC, Carlsen expressed enthusiasm about the future of chess within the esports domain. "It's been an amazing show, unlike anything that I've seen so far," he stated while holding aloft the trophy, a gold-colored plate. "I really hope that this is a big part of the future for chess. Maybe we can get on a bigger stage next time," he added, highlighting the event's popularity and potential for escalation.