Magnus wins Chessable Masters, three chess GMs qualify for EWC

Magnus Carlsen secured the Champions Chess Tour Chessable Masters 2025 championship, making him one of the three chess grandmasters who confirmed their qualification for the Esports World Cup after this event.

Magnus Carlsen faced Hikaru Nakamura in the Chessable Masters 2025 grand final. The first game went Magnus' way in 41 moves, while the next three games were draws, including a 10-move draw by repetition in game 3. Magnus took the championship after the match ended 2.5-1.5 in his favor.

Notably, the Norwegian grandmaster did not drop a single match in the entire event. He faced Andre Esipenko, Yu Yangyi, Arjun Erigaisi, then Hikaru Nakamura twice, and came out on top on all occasions.

This is also his first tournament win under the banner of Team Liquid. Magnus joined the esports organization earlier this month in what Liquid co-CEO Steve Arhancet called "the biggest signing in Team Liquid's history."

Hikaru Nakamura may have failed to take the championship, but he'll have to face Magnus once again later this year at the Esports World Cup.

The top 12 players in the CCT Leaderboard qualify for this event which replaces the Tour Finals. Magnus Carlsen, with his Chessable Masters win, has locked himself for EWC. He will continue to represent TL in this event.

Hikaru Nakamura had earned 80 CCT Points after his runner-up finish, also earning him an EWC slot. Nakamura was signed by Saudi Arabian esports organization Team Falcons earlier this month, too.

The third chess grandmaster who acquired an EWC slot is Ian Nepomniachtchi who earned 65 points with his 3rd place exit in Chessable Masters. Nepo was signed by Aurora Gaming ahead of Chessable Masters, and we can expect him to continue representing the org at the upcoming EWC later this year.

Stick around esports.gg for more Chess news and updates.