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Carlsen wins the Chess event in the Esports World Cup – Final
Esports World Cup Chess Event Concludes with Clear Winner
WHO: Magnus Carlsen, WHAT: Esports World Cup Chess Event, WHERE: Paris, France, WHEN: July 6th to August 23rd, 2026
Norwegian chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen has emerged victorious in the chess tournament of the Esports World Cup, held in Paris, France, from July 6th to August 23rd, 2026. The event, part of a broader 48-day esports extravaganza featuring 25 tournaments across 24 different games, saw Carlsen claim the top prize of $250,000 from a $1.5 million chess-specific prize pool.
Event Highlights
- Winner: Magnus Carlsen ($250,000)
- Total Chess Prize Money: $1.5 million
- Notable Teams Involved: Team Liquid, Team Vitality, Karmine Corp, Ninjas in Pyjamas
- Concurrent Games: Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Counter-Strike 2, EA Sports FC 26, PUBG, Fortnite
While the chess event attracted notable esports teams, the seriousness of the competition was underscored by its substantial prize fund, a highlight within the Esports World Cup’s overall $75 million prize purse. Carlsen’s victory marked a significant achievement in a tournament that, while part of a larger esports spectacle, drew attention for its traditional chess competition amidst a lineup of modern gaming titles.
Prize Distribution for Top Four
| Position | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 1st | $250,000 |
| 2nd | $190,000 |
| 3rd | $145,000 |
| 4th | $115,000 |
Source
This report is based on information published by The Week in Chess (TWIC).
Official source: https://theweekinchess.com/twic-news-feed/carlsen-wins-the-chess-event-in-the-esports-world-cup
