[Watch] Magnus Carlsen shushes Saudi crowd for supporting Hikaru Nakamura at Esports Chess World Cup 2025

Magnus Carlsen holds his nerve in the Armageddon tiebreak to advance to the Esports World Cup 2025 final in Riyadh.

Magnus Carlsen once again showed why he’s the king of blitz chess. He defeated Hikaru Nakamura in a hair-raising semifinal at the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh. In a battle that felt more like a psychological war and less like a game, Carlsen won 4-3 in a thrilling Armageddon tiebreak, leaving the crowd in shock and his long-time nemesis dismayed.

Hikaru Nakamura, with his aggressive style, subjected Carlsen to early pressure, and an exchange of tactical missiles ensued. Both traded wins, mistakes, and counter-mistakes in an evenly matched contest that went the distance.

The pressure mounted with each step, but Carlsen was the one who stayed cool during the last few seconds. Following a gripping series of games at 3-3, the match was pushed to Armageddon, when White has more time but needs to win, while Black can just draw. Carlsen, playing Black, defended with ruthless accuracy and won, eliminating Nakamura from the title hunt.

The game became the most talked-about attraction of the chess section of the Esports World Cup, which has a prize pool of $1.5 million for the chess game alone. With the tournament combining the world of classic board strategy and competitive online esports, the semifinal was a defining moment for chess as a global phenomenon.

Carlsen’s victory was greeted with amazement, not just for its caliber but for the icy calm with which he demoralized both his opponent and the audience.

Nakamura, too, complimented Carlsen on his play. Their epic rivalry remains a hallmark of contemporary online chess, thrilling audiences worldwide and across platforms. Nakamura’s elimination was a disappointment, but his journey through the event further solidified his reputation as one of the most reliable and innovative players of the rapid game.

This win contributes to Carlsen’s illustrious year, in which he has already won the Chessable Masters and solidified his reign in the online rapid scene. His steady output not only qualifies him for the Esports World Cup final but also intensifies debates regarding his legacy within this new hybrid format of chess.

While classical titles still hold prestige, performances like these show that faster-paced formats are gaining a serious following, especially among younger audiences who tune in on streaming platforms and esports networks.

Carlsen now advances to the final of the Esports World Cup, where he will aim to add yet another title to his already distinguished career. Nakamura’s exit marks the end of a thrilling chapter in the tournament, but his performance further reinforces his stature as one of the premier figures in modern fast-format chess.

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