Chess: Magnus Carlsen wins Esports World Cup in Paris without losing a game
Magnus Carlsen won the 2026 Esports World Cup chess tournament in Paris, remaining undefeated throughout the event. He secured the $250,000 prize by defeating several top-tier opponents in a fast-paced blitz format.
Why it matters
Carlsen's continued dominance in high-stakes esports events highlights the growing professionalization and commercialization of competitive chess.
Magnus Carlsen displays the trophy after winning the chess tournament at the 2026 Esports World Cup. Photograph: EWC Magnus Carlsen displays the trophy after winning the chess tournament at the 2026 Esports World Cup. Photograph: EWC Leonard Barden on chess Magnus Carlsen Chess: Magnus Carlsen wins Esports World Cup in Paris without losing a game Norway’s world No 1 outclassed the field and won the $250,000 first prize at the four-day event in France
Prefer the Guardian on Google Magnus Carlsen, Norway’s world No 1, triumphed again last weekend when he won the 2026 Esports World Cup, staged over four days at the prestigious venue of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Carlsen retained his title from Riyadh 2025 and took home a monster first prize of $250,000 (£183,000).
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