Magnus Carlsen to Defend Title at Esports World Cup in Paris

Magnus Carlsen is set to defend his title at the Esports World Cup, where chess will make its second appearance, taking place from August 11 to 15, 2026, at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.

The tournament will feature 22 players competing for a total prize fund of $1.5 million, with each game played under a 10-minute time control without increments. Carlsen, who won the inaugural chess competition in Riyadh last year, will be joined by notable players such as Hikaru Nakamura, Alireza Firouzja, and Ian Nepomniachtchi, among others.

Qualification for the event included various routes, with Carlsen receiving an automatic spot as the reigning champion. The Last Chance Qualifier in Paris saw 86 players compete, with five securing their places in the Play-In stage. The tournament format will reduce the field from 16 to eight players through double-elimination, leading to single-elimination playoffs, concluding on August 15.