Chess in Esports World Cup 2025 made its dramatic debut and delivered an epic finale as well. The event brought together the world’s top grandmasters to fight for fame and a massive $1.5 million prize pool. The championship, which took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, delivered an epic finale between Magnus Carlsen and Alireza Firouzja, where Carlsen lifted the trophy and became the first-ever champion of chess in Esports World Cup 2025. So, let’s take a look at who finished where and how much they took home in prize money.
Chess in Esports World Cup 2025: The Top 16
The king of chess in Esports World Cup 2025 was Magnus Carlsen (Team Liquid), who played brilliant chess throughout the tournament and took home the title of champion. Carlsen beat Alireza Firouzja (Team Falcons) in the grand final, showing why he is still the top gun on the chess scene.
Following up, Alireza Firouzja showed excellent form and composure but had to settle for 2nd place after a tense final match with Carlsen. In the 3rd place playoff, Hikaru Nakamura overcame India’s Arjun Erigaisi in a thriller, proving why he’s always dangerous when it matters. That rounds up the top 4 of chess in Esports World Cup 2025.
Meanwhile, other quarterfinalists, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Levon Aronian, and Nihal Sarin finished in 5th to 8th positions respectively.
Chess in Esports World Cup 2025: Prize Money
The top four and their prize money:
1st: Magnus Carlsen (Team Liquid) – $250,000
2nd: Alireza Firouzja (Team Falcons) – $190,000
3rd: Hikaru Nakamura (Team Falcons) – $145,000
4th: Arjun Erigaisi (Gen.G) – $115,000
Quarterfinalists who finished 5th-8th, each getting $90,000, included:
- Ian Nepomniachtchi (Aurora Gaming)
- Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Natus Vincere)
- Levon Aronian (REJECT)
- Nihal Sarin (S8UL Esports)
Players ranked 9th-12th, with $65,000 each:
- Andrey Esipenko (Virtus.pro)
- Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Team Vitality)
- Wei Yi (Weibo Gaming)
- Jan-Krzysztof Duda (Twisted Minds)
Players who placed 13th-16th, earning $50,000 each:
- Vladislav Artemiev (Team Spirit)
- Anish Giri (Team Secret)
- Javokhir Sindarov (Team Vitality)
- Fabiano Caruana (Team Liquid)
This was the first time chess was played at the Esports World Cup, and it did not disappoint. The event was packed with top players, wild upsets, and millions watching online. It’s proof that chess isn’t just your old boring board game, but it has transformed into something totally adrenaline-pumping.
So, Who Earned How Much?
No matter what place a player finished in, they all went home with serious cash. So, here is a simple breakdown of which player earned how much prize money.
| Player | Team | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| Magnus Carlsen | Team Liquid | $250,000 |
| Alireza Firouzja | Team Falcons | $190,000 |
| Hikaru Nakamura | Team Falcons | $145,000 |
| Arjun Erigaisi | Gen.G | $115,000 |
| Ian Nepomniachtchi | Aurora Gaming | $90,000 |
| Nodirbek Abdusattorov | Natus Vincere | $90,000 |
| Levon Aronian | REJECT | $90,000 |
| Nihal Sarin | S8UL Esports | $90,000 |
| Andrey Esipenko | Virtus.pro | $65,000 |
| Maxime Vachier-Lagrave | Team Vitality | $65,000 |
| Wei Yi | Weibo Gaming | $65,000 |
| Jan-Krzysztof Duda | Twisted Minds | $65,000 |
| Vladislav Artemiev | Team Spirit | $50,000 |
| Anish Giri | Team Secret | $50,000 |
| Javokhir Sindarov | Team Vitality | $50,000 |
| Fabiano Caruana | Team Liquid | $50,000 |
Also Read: Magnus Carlsen Becomes The First Ever Champion Of Chess In Esports World Cup 2025
