Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Photo: SPA
The 2025 Esports World Cup chess tournament came to an exciting end in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. This was one of the biggest and most followed chess events of the year. Thousands of fans watched the tournament both live at the venue and online from around the world. The event had a festive feeling, with a huge crowd, bright lights, and top-level matches. The final day saw the best players in the world compete for the top prize and glory.
Chess at the Esports World Cup
This tournament was part of the larger Esports World Cup, which includes many competitive games. This year, chess was one of the most popular events. Esports are now a big part of how people play and watch games, and chess has become a major part of that. The 2025 edition of the tournament showed how much people enjoy watching chess, especially when it is fast, smart, and full of surprises.
Magnus Carlsen Becomes Champion Again
The winner of the tournament was Norwegian chess superstar Magnus Carlsen. He played with great focus, smart strategies, and powerful moves in every match. Carlsen is known all over the world as one of the best chess players in history. In this tournament, he played for Team Liquid. He showed once again why he is a legend in the world of chess. By winning the final, he secured first place and received a huge prize of $250,000 along with 1,000 club ranking points.
Alireza Firouzja Takes Second Place
French chess star Alireza Firouzja gave a great performance and finished in second place. He played for Team Falcons and impressed everyone with his creative playing style and smart thinking. Firouzja is still very young, but he has already shown that he belongs among the top players in the world. For his amazing effort, he received $190,000 and 750 ranking points. Many fans now see him as a future world champion.
Hikaru Nakamura Finishes Third
Hikaru Nakamura, the well-known American chess grandmaster, took third place in the tournament. He is famous for his fast thinking, deep understanding of chess, and entertaining style of play. He also played for Team Falcons, like Firouzja. Nakamura’s match for third place was filled with tension, but he managed to win and take home $145,000. He also received 500 ranking points, adding to his strong position in the global chess world.
Indian Talent Arjun Erigaisi in Top Four
Arjun Erigaisi from India also made his mark in the tournament by finishing fourth. He played for Gen.G Esports and faced some of the best players in the world. Although he did not win a medal, his games were impressive, and he showed great fighting spirit. Erigaisi is one of India’s brightest young chess stars, and his performance in this tournament proved his growing talent. He earned $115,000 and 300 ranking points for his strong finish.
Global Participation and Top Teams
The tournament was filled with top players from different countries, including Norway, France, the United States, and India. Each player was part of a professional esports team, which helped them prepare and perform at their best. Teams like Team Liquid, Team Falcons, and Gen.G Esports are major names in the world of competitive gaming. These teams help players with training, coaching, and even technology support, making sure they are always ready for the big stage.
Huge Prizes and Points at Stake
The 2025 Esports World Cup chess tournament had large rewards for top players. Magnus Carlsen got the biggest prize of $250,000. Alireza Firouzja earned $190,000 for coming second, while Hikaru Nakamura received $145,000 for third place. Even Arjun Erigaisi, who came fourth, took home $115,000. Along with money, players earned important ranking points, which help them qualify for future chess tournaments and improve their overall standing in the world rankings.
Chess as a Growing Esport
This tournament showed how much chess has grown in the esports world. Years ago, chess was mostly played in quiet halls and watched by few. But now, with live streaming, online platforms, and digital tools, chess has become fast-paced, global, and full of excitement. Esports events like this bring chess to new fans, including young people and online gamers. The 2025 tournament proved that chess can be just as thrilling as any video game.
Riyadh Hosts a Successful Chess Finale
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, did a great job as the host city for the tournament. The event was well organized, with excellent facilities and a lively crowd. Saudi Arabia is working hard to become a global center for sports and esports. By hosting such big events, the country is showing its ability to support modern gaming and international competition. The tournament also helped promote cultural exchange and international friendship.
What’s Next for the Top Players
Now that the tournament is over, the players will return to their teams and begin preparing for upcoming matches. Magnus Carlsen will continue leading Team Liquid and likely join more tournaments this year. Alireza Firouzja’s strong second-place finish will boost his confidence and career. Hikaru Nakamura remains a big name in online and fast-format chess. Arjun Erigaisi will return to India as a rising star, with many fans excited about his future. The points they earned in Riyadh will help them in future chess challenges.
A Memorable Moment for Chess and Esports
The 2025 Esports World Cup chess tournament was more than just a sporting event—it was a celebration of talent, focus, and the modern way people play and enjoy chess. With smart moves, big prizes, and global excitement, it showed how far chess has come in the digital age. Players like Carlsen, Firouzja, Nakamura, and Erigaisi gave us unforgettable games, and fans around the world cheered them on. This event will be remembered for its exciting matches, brilliant players, and its important place in chess and esports history.
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