Five-time world chess champion Magnus Carlsen added another major achievement to his career by winning the first-ever chess tournament at the Esports World Cup 2025. Representing Team Liquid, Carlsen defeated Team Falcons' Alireza Firouzja in the grand final. He won both sets with a scoreline of 3-1, 3-1 in the best-of-three format. The event took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 29 to August 1.
After the win, Carlsen said, “I was overall in better shape today so I felt that I was going to get chances and of course it all turned out perfectly."
Carlsen shares personal milestone
Following his victory, Carlsen opened up about his personal life during the post-match interview. He said, “My next plan is to achieve something together with my wife that’s greater than all of this – to be a parent.” He smiled as he spoke, showing how thrilled he is to start a new chapter as a father.
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Carlsen is married to Ella Victoria Malone, who now goes by Ella Carlsen. She has Norwegian and American roots and has lived in several countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, and Norway. The couple got married in Oslo and earlier this year, they announced they are expecting their first child.
Prize money and standings
Carlsen’s victory earned him $250,000, which is around ₹2.18 crore. After the match, he confidently said again that no player in the world is currently on his level. He has been ranked World No. 1 in classical chess since 2011.
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Team Falcons’ Alireza Firouzja finished second and took home $190,000 (₹1.65 crore). His teammate Hikaru Nakamura came third and received $145,000 (₹1.26 crore). Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi secured the fourth spot and won $115,000, just over ₹1 crore.