Carlsen wins inaugural chess tournament at Esports World Cup

Magnus Carlsen has won the inaugural Chess tournament at the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC 25), defeating Alireza Firouzja in a thrilling final series. Representing Team Liquid, Magnus Carlsen was able to secure a straight 2-0 series victory against Team Falcons' French star Firouzja.The Norwegian grandmaster entered EWC 25 as the favourite, and it was clear to see why. As for his Team Falcons opponent, Firouzja, while he had moments of brilliance, the gulf in class between the two in this series showed.Carlsen took the first set 3-1, before dominating the second set 3-1 once again to secure a 2-0 series victory.Carlsen’s win sees Team Liquid claim their first tournament victory at the Esports World Cup . The victory continues a great year for Carlsen, who won Champions Chess Tour to qualify for the EWC 25, as well as his seventh Norway title and the Grenke Freestyle Open with a perfect 9/9 score."I am very happy, a little bit relieved as well. There was a point in the second set where I felt I let him back in the match for no reason. Overall, I’m happy with the way I played and the way I pressured him on the clock.A couple of times I rushed a little bit, but that comes with everything,” said Carlsen following his victory."I think it’s been incredible. Not only playing, but watching the others,” he said. "It’s been an amazing show, unlike anything I’ve seen so far. It’s just been a joy. I hope this is a big part of the future of chess.I’m really thankful to EWC for believing in Chess, for Team Liquid for believing in me as well, and for making Team Falcons have to fight at least a little bit for the Club Championship.”Carlsen won the $250,000 prize and earned Team Liquid 1,000 Club Championship points. The win takes them to first place in the standings with a narrow 50-point lead over second place Team Falcons.Team Vitality now locks down third place, with Gen.G falling to fourth place, having lost the third place decider in Chess earlier in the day.Week four at the Esports World Cup 2025 continues until tomorrow with finals across Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, PUBG Mobile and Overwatch 2.Esports World Cup 2025 concludes with the New Global Sport Conference, the leading B2B event for decision-makers across gaming, esports, sport and entertainment.Held at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh from August 23-24, the event aims to foster dialogue, drive collaboration, and shape the future of competitive entertainment.