In a groundbreaking turn for both chess and competitive gaming, Magnus Carlsen, the world-renowned chess grandmaster from Norway, emerged victorious in the inaugural online chess competition at the Esports World Cup (EWC) held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Carlsen, 34, not only took home a hefty prize of $250,000 (approximately £188,000) but also marked a significant milestone for the game of chess, which now finds a place among traditional esports.
The EWC, known for its extensive prize pool totaling around $70 million (£50 million), has become one of the most substantial multi-discipline gaming tournaments, showcasing teams competing across 25 popular games, including renowned titles like Call of Duty and League of Legends. Although the inclusion of chess this year sparked some debate, organizers highlighted its widespread appeal across diverse age groups, further justifying its presence in the competitive gaming arena.
Over the course of seven weeks, grandmasters and seasoned competitors participated in a structured format involving group stages followed by playoffs. Carlsen’s path to victory culminated in a climactic match against Alireza Firouzja, the eighth-ranked player globally, solidifying Carlsen's reputation as not only a classical chess champion but also a leader in embracing modern adaptations of the game.
Following his triumph, Carlsen expressed excitement and positive anticipation for the future of chess in esports, stating, "It's been an amazing show, unlike anything that I've seen so far. I really hope that this is a big part of the future for chess." He also hinted at aspirations for even larger stages in upcoming events, driven by the growing popularity of chess within the esports community.
Carlsen has a history of championing progressive changes within chess, such as his recent return to competition after the chess federation relaxed its dress code to allow informal attire like jeans—an incident that exemplified the evolving landscape of the sport.
As the gaming community continues to grow and diversify, Carlsen's victory at the Esports World Cup may very well signal a new era for chess, attracting fresh audiences and enhancing its global appeal.
The EWC, known for its extensive prize pool totaling around $70 million (£50 million), has become one of the most substantial multi-discipline gaming tournaments, showcasing teams competing across 25 popular games, including renowned titles like Call of Duty and League of Legends. Although the inclusion of chess this year sparked some debate, organizers highlighted its widespread appeal across diverse age groups, further justifying its presence in the competitive gaming arena.
Over the course of seven weeks, grandmasters and seasoned competitors participated in a structured format involving group stages followed by playoffs. Carlsen’s path to victory culminated in a climactic match against Alireza Firouzja, the eighth-ranked player globally, solidifying Carlsen's reputation as not only a classical chess champion but also a leader in embracing modern adaptations of the game.
Following his triumph, Carlsen expressed excitement and positive anticipation for the future of chess in esports, stating, "It's been an amazing show, unlike anything that I've seen so far. I really hope that this is a big part of the future for chess." He also hinted at aspirations for even larger stages in upcoming events, driven by the growing popularity of chess within the esports community.
Carlsen has a history of championing progressive changes within chess, such as his recent return to competition after the chess federation relaxed its dress code to allow informal attire like jeans—an incident that exemplified the evolving landscape of the sport.
As the gaming community continues to grow and diversify, Carlsen's victory at the Esports World Cup may very well signal a new era for chess, attracting fresh audiences and enhancing its global appeal.
