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Magnus Carlsen Wins First-Ever Chess Esports World Cup
Magnus Carlsen has done it again! Representing Team Liquid, he claimed gold at the first-ever Chess Esports World Cup in Riyadh. He defeated Team Falcons’ Alireza Firouzja in the Grand Final with style and confidence.
The match took place on August 1, 2025. Carlsen won with a score of four wins, two draws, and just one loss. It was a masterclass in speed, accuracy, and nerves.
The difference between world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen (2937 Blitz) and world No. 3 Alireza Firouzja (2856 Blitz) was clear for all to see.
The Tournament Format
The Chess Esports World Cup had two stages.
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Group Stage: Sixteen players from thirteen teams played in a double-elimination format. Eight advanced to the quarterfinals.
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Playoffs: A knockout stage with eight players. All matches were best-of-three. The final was a best-of-five.
Carlsen’s Dominant Start
Magnus started strong. In the first set, he scored one win and two draws, leading 3-1. Firouzja struck back in the second set after Magnus made a rare blunder, winning his only game of the final.
But Carlsen didn’t stay down for long. He came back fiercely, using precise calculation and quick moves. Firouzja burned through his clock, while Magnus stayed calm. Heart rate monitors on screen showed Carlsen’s composure.
A key blunder by Firouzja in game three gave Magnus match point. One last weak opening from Firouzja sealed his fate. Magnus finished the job in just two sets.
Carlsen’s Confidence
Magnus was confident from the start. When Team Falcons trash-talked on social media, he fired back:
Better do well in other games, because you’re not going to win chess.
After beating Hikaru Nakamura in the semifinals, Carlsen doubled down:
“I’ve got my bow and arrow ready. I’ve shot one Falcon. I want to shoot one more tomorrow.”
He kept his word.
The Prizes & Club Championship Impact
Magnus’ win gave Team Liquid 1,000 Club Championship points, putting them in contention for the overall title. He also earned $250,000 — one of the largest prizes in competitive chess history.
Firouzja’s second-place finish secured Team Falcons second place in the Club Championship standings, along with $190,000 in prize money.
In the third-place match, Hikaru Nakamura beat Arjun Erigaisi in a best-of-six series, earning $145,000. Erigaisi took $115,000 and 300 points for Gen.G.
Official website: esportsworldcup.com/en/competitions/chess
Photos: esportsworldcup.com
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
