Norwegian Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen has clinched victory at the inaugural Esports World Cup held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on August 1, 2025. Carlsen dominated the tournament, defeating top competitors including world No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura and rising star Alireza Firouzja. His performance earned him a $250,000 grand prize and bolstered Team Liquid's position in the overall standings.

The Esports World Cup, organized by the Esports World Cup Foundation, featured 26 events across 25 esports disciplines, with a total prize pool of $71.5 million. The chess tournament, with a $1.5 million prize pool, was among the highlights, reflecting the game's resurgence in popularity, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The competition utilized a fast-paced 10-minute time control with no increment, favoring quick online-based players like Nakamura and Firouzja. This format introduced the term "dirty flagging," where a player wins on time despite a losing position—a tactic Carlsen employed against Firouzja in a decisive moment.

The event was lauded for its excellent organization, engaging format with live commentaries, and high viewer numbers—over 30,000 online spectators, far above average for grandmaster events. GM David Howell's commentary received particular praise. The success of the tournament signals the Esports World Cup's potential to become a significant fixture in the global chess calendar.

The British Championship also concluded in Liverpool, with live online coverage available, showcasing the growing integration of esports into mainstream sports events. As the esports industry continues to expand, tournaments like the Esports World Cup play a crucial role in elevating the profile of competitive gaming worldwide.