Magnus Carlsen won the 2025 Esports World Cup Chess Championship on August 1, defeating Alireza Firouzja in an exciting Grand Final. Carlsen, the world number one, secured the $250,000 top prize after a best-of-six rapid match.
Representing Team Liquid, Carlsen faced a strong challenge from Firouzja of Team Falcons. The match used a fast 10-minute time control with no increment.
Carlsen’s precise and strategic play helped him win key games, while Firouzja fought hard but could not overcome the Norwegian’s skill. The final score showed Carlsen’s ability to perform under pressure.
Before the final, Carlsen beat Hikaru Nakamura 4-3 in a dramatic semifinal that ended with an Armageddon tiebreak. Firouzja reached the final by defeating Arjun Erigaisi 4-1. In the third-place match, Nakamura defeated Erigaisi to win the $145,000 prize.
The Esports World Cup took place in Riyadh with a $1.5 million prize pool and attracted global attention for its fast and exciting format. Carlsen’s victory marks another major achievement in his career and confirms his strength in rapid chess.
