Magnus Carlsen has won the inaugural Chess tournament at the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC 25), defeating Alireza Firouzja in a thrilling final series.
Representing Team Liquid, Magnus Carlsen was able to secure a straight 2-0 series victory against Team Falcons’ French star Alireza Firouzja. The Norwegian grandmaster entered Chess at EWC 25 as the favourite, and it was clear to see why. As for his Team Falcons opponent, Firouzja, while he had moments of brilliance, the gulf in class between the two in this series showed.
The world number-one swept the Team Falcons representative in sensational style with a straight sets victory that reaffirmed his status as one of the all-time greats. Carlsen took the first set 3-1, before dominating the second set 3-1 once again to secure a 2-0 series victory.
Magnus Carlsen’s win sees Team Liquid claim their first tournament victory at the Esports World Cup 2025. The victory continues a great year for Magnus Carlsen, who won Chess.com’s 2025 Champions Chess Tour to qualify for the EWC 25, as well as his seventh Norway Chess title and the 2025 Grenke Chess Freestyle Open with a perfect 9/9 score.
“I am very happy, a little bit relieved as well. There was a point in the second set where I felt I let him back in the match for no reason. Overall, I’m happy with the way I played and the way I pressured him on the clock. A couple of times I rushed a little bit, but that comes with everything,” said Carlsen following his victory.
“I think it’s been incredible. Not only playing, but watching the others,” he said. “It’s been an amazing show, unlike anything I’ve seen so far. It’s just been a joy. I hope this is a big part of the future of chess. I’m really thankful to EWC for believing in Chess, for Team Liquid for believing in me as well, and for making Team Falcons have to fight at least a little bit for the Club Championship.”
With victory in Chess, Magnus Carlsen won the $250,000 prize and earned Team Liquid 1,000 Club Championship points, giving them their first tournament win at the Esports World Cup 2025. The win takes them to first place in the standings with a narrow 50-point lead over second place Team Falcons. Team Vitality now locks down third place, with Gen.G falling to fourth place, having lost the third place decider in Chess earlier in the day.
