**Magnus Carlsen Triumphs in Historic Online Chess Tournament at Esports World Cup**

**In a groundbreaking event, Magnus Carlsen showcases the growing acceptance of chess within the esports arena, bringing the classic game to new audiences globally.**

 

Norwegian chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen has made history by clinching victory in the first-ever online chess competition at the Esports World Cup (EWC), held recently in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 34-year-old player secured a hefty reward of $250,000 (approximately £188,000) for his remarkable performance.

The EWC, renowned as one of the largest multi-discipline events in the competitive gaming industry, featured a range of popular games and sports this year. Despite some initial controversy surrounding the addition of chess, organizers insisted that the game deserves recognition as an esport, highlighting its popularity among millions of players across various age groups.

The second staging of the Esports World Cup boasts an impressive prize pool totaling around $70 million (£50 million). The tournament spans seven weeks, involving global teams competing in 25 different games, including titles like Call of Duty, Street Fighter, and League of Legends. The inclusion of chess this year marks a significant leap forward for the game, coming 139 years after the first World Chess Champion was crowned.

At the event, participants sat at computers on stage in front of a live audience, equipped with heart-rate monitors, emulating the atmosphere of traditional sports competitions. The setup featured large screens, high-profile sponsors, and live commentary. The online chess competition witnessed participation from several grandmasters, with competitors initially going through a group stage before the top players advanced to the playoffs. Ultimately, it was Carlsen, the world’s top chess player, who took the title after defeating eighth-ranked Alireza Firouzja.

Carlsen has been vocal about his commitment to modernizing chess, previously taking a stand against a strict dress code at major competitions. Last year, he withdrew from the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in New York over a dispute regarding attire, clarifying that comfortable clothing, such as jeans, should be acceptable.

Following his triumph at the EWC, Carlsen expressed his excitement and optimism for the future of chess in esports. "It's been an amazing show, unlike anything that I've seen so far," he stated after lifting the trophy, which is a gold-colored plate. "I really hope that this is a big part of the future for chess. Maybe we can get on a bigger stage next time," Carlsen added, underscoring the event’s popularity and significance in the evolution of the game.