Magnus Carlsen, the world’s top-ranked chess player, has achieved a historic victory by winning the FIDE World Cup. This triumph completes his collection of major chess titles, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players of all time. Despite this achievement, Carlsen has reiterated his disinterest in participating in the world championship cycle.
The FIDE World Cup is a prestigious tournament that Carlsen had previously failed to conquer. However, this year, he dominated the knockout bracket, culminating in a final match against 18-year-old Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa. Carlsen’s exceptional performance included only one defeat in the classical portion and notable victories against emerging young players.
In the grand final, Carlsen battled food poisoning but managed to secure two draws in the classical games against Pragg. He then decisively defeated his Indian opponent in the rapid playoffs, clinching the championship title.
Despite his remarkable success, Carlsen has made it clear that he has no intention of participating in the Candidates Tournament, which determines the next world championship challenger. This decision provides clarity for the other semifinalists, who have now secured their spots in the tournament.
In the women’s section, IM Nurgyul Salimova emerged as the surprise winner, earning herself the grandmaster title as the 29th seed.
| Event | Winner | Runner-up | Date | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIDE World Cup | Magnus Carlsen | Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa | 2023 | Classical: 2 draws, Rapid: Carlsen wins |
| Women’s Section | IM Nurgyul Salimova | N/A | 2023 | N/A |
Source: DOTESPORTS
