Magnus Carlsen of Norway triumphed in the first-ever Esports World Cup chess tournament on Friday, defeating Alireza Firouzja in Riyadh.
The world’s top-ranked player secured the $250,000 first prize, helping his team, Team Liquid, move into the lead in the overall championship standings. The event offered a total prize pool of $1.5 million.
“It’s been an amazing show, unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” Carlsen said moments before lifting the trophy on stage as fireworks lit up the background. Chess made its debut in the esports competition after enjoying a major surge in popularity during the pandemic.
