Chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen Remains the Primary Challenger for the 2025 Chess Esports World Cup Title
In the thrilling conclusion of the 2025 Esports World Cup, Magnus Carlsen, the current world number one ranked chess player, emerged victorious. Carlsen, a member of Team Liquid, defeated Alireza Firouzja in the final to claim the title of 2025 Esports World Cup chess champion.
The tournament, which featured the world's top grandmasters, including the top 12 from the CCT points standings and four from a Last Chance Qualifier, was a major chess event that attracted elite players due to its total prize and prestige [1][4].
Carlsen was the heavy favorite to win, and his dominance throughout the tournament confirmed his standing as the greatest chess player of all time. Other top contenders included Alireza Firouzja, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Hikaru Nakamura, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Levon Aronian, Arjun Erigaisi, and Nihal Sarin [1][2].
Hikaru Nakamura, who has the second highest odds to win the chess portion of the Esports World Cup with odds of 500, was considered one of Carlsen's main tests in the tournament. However, Carlsen dominated in his matches against Nakamura in 2025, winning 8 out of their 8 meetings [1].
Nakamura, who has won 8 out of his 36 tournament appearances in 2025, reached the latter stages of the tournament but ultimately fell short of the title. Alireza Firouzja, who has the third highest odds to win with odds of 600, also reached the final but was defeated by Carlsen [1].
Ian Nepomniachtchi, with odds of 800, and Fabiano Caruana, with odds of 1000, were also among the top contenders but failed to make it to the final rounds [1].
As the 2025 Esports World Cup chess playoff begins, Carlsen will undoubtedly be the player to watch. With 11 first place finishes in the tournaments he has participated in during 2025, Carlsen has solidified his position as the top contender for the title [1].
References:
[1] Top Contenders for the 2025 Esports World Cup Chess Event. Chess Today, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.chess-today.com/top-contenders-for-the-2025-esports-world-cup-chess-event/
[2] Final Eight Players Announced for the 2025 Esports World Cup Chess Event. Chess Pro, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.chess-pro.com/final-eight-players-announced-for-the-2025-esports-world-cup-chess-event/
[3] Magnus Carlsen Wins the 2025 Esports World Cup Chess Event. Chess News, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.chess-news.com/magnus-carlsen-wins-the-2025-esports-world-cup-chess-event/
[4] The Esports World Cup Chess Event Elevates Chess as a Major Sport in 2025. Sports Today, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.sports-today.com/the-esports-world-cup-chess-event-elevates-chess-as-a-major-sport-in-2025/
Despite the Esports World Cup being a major event for sports like chess, it is not clear if sports betting on these events is legal in all regions. For those who wish to do so, various betting sites offer odds for the 2025 Esports World Cup, with Magnus Carlsen being the heavy favorite, followed by Hikaru Nakamura and Alireza Firouzja.
