NEW DELHI: The chess arena at the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 turned into a cauldron of tension, drama, and high-quality play as World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen edged out World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura in a gripping semifinal showdown. The best‑of‑six clash between the two modern chess titans went down to the wire, culminating in an Armageddon tiebreaker.
The Riyadh crowd, overwhelmingly in favour of Nakamura — who represents Saudi‑based Esports powerhouse Team Falcons — made their support heard throughout the encounter. Carlsen, visibly irked by the partisan cheers, even raised a finger to his lips mid‑match, motioning for the audience to quiet down after gaining the upper hand.
Magnus silences the audience — supporting the local Team Falcons — as he knows he’s winning Game 4 to regain the lead vs. Hikaru! #EsportsWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Ffi27aGgZd
— chess24 (@chess24com) July 31, 2025
Early Lead, Fierce Fightback
Carlsen drew first blood by winning the opening game with the white pieces. Nakamura bounced back in Game 2, securing an almost winning position, but time pressure forced him to settle for a draw. Carlsen celebrated the escape with a fist pump, aware of the significance of holding the American at bay.
Nakamura struck in Game 3 with the black pieces, levelling the score at 1.5‑1.5. The raucous home‑crowd energy appeared to lift his play — but it also lit a fire in Carlsen. In Game 4, after seizing a decisive advantage, the Norwegian returned the favour by silencing the crowd with a pointed gesture.
Down to the Wire
The momentum swung again as Nakamura held a 3.0‑2.0 lead after five games. But needing a must‑win in Game 6, the American delivered, forcing an Armageddon decider. Carlsen kept his composure in the high‑stakes tiebreak, clinching victory and booking his place in the final against another Team Falcons star — Alireza Firouzja.
Nakamura will face India’s Arjun Erigaisi in the third‑place playoff.
Post‑Match Fireworks
‘
Carlsen didn’t hide his feelings after the intense duel.
“It pissed me off when they cheered when Hikaru was winning!” he admitted. Nakamura, quick with a parting shot, said: “Hopefully tomorrow Alireza can kick Magnus Carlsen’s a*!”*
The EWC final now promises another blockbuster, with Carlsen looking to tame yet another crowd favourite — and perhaps, once again, the crowd itself.
