In an exciting turn of events, Magnus Carlsen, the world's top chess grandmaster, triumphed in the first-ever online chess competition at the Esports World Cup, taking home a staggering $250,000 prize. The tournament, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is one of the largest and most diverse competitions in the esports arena, featuring 25 popular games alongside chess.
The inclusion of chess raised a few eyebrows, but organizers defended its legitimacy as an esport, citing its immense global following among players of all ages. Chess has now reached new heights, 139 years after the first World Chess Champion was crowned, proving that the game can thrive in a digital landscape.
During the competition, players displayed their skills on stage while wearing heart-rate monitors, reminiscent of traditional sports events. The EWC attracted massive sponsors and featured commentary akin to other high-profile tournaments. After a series of intense matches, Carlsen defeated eighth-ranked Alireza Firouzja to claim the championship title.
Carlsen, who welcomed innovation in chess, expressed his enthusiasm for the future of chess in esports, saying it's unlike anything he's experienced before. His victory at the EWC may pave the way for more chess events on the esports stage, enriching the gaming landscape.
