In a landmark event for the intersection of chess and technology, Magnus Carlsen, the world’s number one chess grandmaster, has emerged victorious in the inaugural online chess competition at the Esports World Cup (EWC). The 34-year-old Norwegian player secured a grand prize of $250,000, which is approximately £188,000, marking a significant achievement not just for himself, but for chess as it carves out its niche within the esports domain.
The EWC, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is recognized as one of the premier multi-disciplinary tournaments in professional gaming. This year, the inclusion of chess in its roster has sparked considerable debate, with some questioning whether chess qualifies as an esports event. However, tournament organizers firmly defended its inclusion, arguing that chess enjoys immense popularity and is played by millions globally, transcending age boundaries and appealing to a diverse audience.
This year’s installment of the Esports World Cup is merely the second edition, boasting an impressive total prize pool of approximately $70 million (£50 million). Over an exhilarating span of seven weeks, competing teams and players from all corners of the globe faced off across 25 different popular games, including renowned titles like Call of Duty, Street Fighter, and League of Legends. Chess’s addition to the schedule has been touted as a milestone, especially poignant in a year that commemorates 139 years since the first-ever World Chess Champion was crowned in 1886.
As competitors participated in the online portion of the tournament, they could be seen at their computers onstage in front of a live audience, adorned with monitors that tracked their heart rates, blending traditional sports aesthetics with modern gaming. The event also featured large screens and the presence of major sponsors, alongside commentary that added to the competitive atmosphere.
During this online chess competition, numerous grandmasters participated, with players navigating through a group stage before the top scorers advanced to the playoffs. Ultimately, it was Carlsen, the reigning champion of traditional chess, who clinched the title, defeating his closest competitor, the eighth-ranked Alireza Firouzja. Carlsen’s triumph further reinforces his status as one of the greatest chess players in modern history.
Throughout his career, Carlsen has embraced modernization within the game, as evidenced by his previous suspension from the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York. He stepped away from that competition due to a dispute over the attire policy, which prohibited him from playing in jeans. Following negotiations, the sport’s governing body agreed to relax the dress code, allowing him to return to competitive play, showcasing the continuing evolution of chess.
Upon receiving the EWC trophy—a striking gold-colored plate—Carlsen expressed his enthusiasm for the groundbreaking event. “It’s been an amazing show, unlike anything that I’ve seen so far,” he said, illustrating his excitement over the potential future integration of chess into larger platforms. Carlsen added, “I really hope that this is a big part of the future for chess,” and with a hopeful glance forward, exclaimed, “Maybe we can get on a bigger stage next time.”
While the EWC continues to expand chess’s prominence in the competitive gaming arena, many enthusiasts and experts alike are left contemplating what future expansions may look like in the sport, as it begins to flourish in the world of esports. The successful incorporation of chess into this beloved event signals a promising pathway for more such collaborations, merging traditional intellectual pursuits with modern digital excitement.
