Magnus Carlsen Wins First-Ever Esports Chess World Cup 2025

On August 2, World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen made history by becoming the first-ever champion of the Esports Chess World Cup 2025. Representing Team Liquid, the Norwegian chess grandmaster defeated Alireza Firouzja in straight sets, winning 3-1 in both sets of the grand final held in Saudi Arabia.

With this victory, Carlsen claimed a prize of $250,000. He displayed remarkable control and time management throughout the four-day event, dominating his opponents with consistency and precision.

Earlier on the final day of the tournament, India’s Arjun Erigaisi narrowly lost to Hikaru Nakamura with a score of 2½–3½ and finished in fourth place.