Esports World Cup 2025: Magnus Carlsen thrashes Alireza Firouzja to secure title

Magnus Carlsen added another trophy to his resume after defeating Alireza Firouzja in the final of the chess event at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh on Friday.

Carlsen crushed his opponent with an overall score of four wins, two draws, and a single loss.

The Norwegian looked sharp in the opening set, claiming a win and two draws to put the score at 3-1, securing a commanding lead. Having to reset going into the second set, Firouzja’s retort saw Carlsen blunder his rook after 50 moves, leading to Firouzja’s only win of the series.

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Carlsen shot back in the second game, punishing Firouzja with his calculating play. Firouzja looked pressed, burning through much more of his clock than his opponent.

A blunder by Firouzja in game three pushed the series to 2-1, with Carlsen on match point. Following that, a weak opening by Firouzja was punished by Carlsen, who ultimately defeated the French Grandmaster in just two sets.