Norwegian chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, recognized as the world's top player, has claimed victory at the first-ever online chess tournament held during the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The prestigious event rewarded Carlsen with a substantial $250,000 (approximately £188,000) for his triumph.
The EWC, which stands as one of the largest multi-platform tournaments in the professional gaming world, sparked some debate around the inclusion of chess in its lineup. However, tournament organizers contended that chess qualifies as an esport due to its widespread appeal to millions globally. This year's edition of EWC features a staggering prize pool of around $70 million (£50 million) and sees teams competing in 25 prominent games, such as Call of Duty, Street Fighter, and League of Legends, over seven weeks.
This marks the second installment of the EWC, and organizers believe adding chess significantly elevates the game's relevance, particularly as 2023 marks 139 years since the inaugural World Chess Championship. Participants in chess sat at computers on stage before a live audience, outfitted with heart-rate monitors, similar to traditional sporting events. The setup included large screens, high-profile sponsors, and commentators adding to the atmosphere.
Carlsen showcased his exceptional skill by overcoming eighth-ranked Alireza Firouzja in the final after an intense series of group stage matches that saw top players advance to playoffs. Known for modernizing the game, Carlsen recently returned to major competitions when the governing body relaxed dress code regulations that previously led him to withdraw from the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships over a jeans dispute.
"It's been an amazing show, unlike anything that I've seen so far," commented Carlsen while hoisting the gleaming EWC trophy. He expressed hope that the success of the event would mark a significant step towards the future of chess and hinted at aspirations for greater representation on larger stages in subsequent tournaments, reinforcing the game's newfound popularity in the esports landscape.
