Number one ranked chess player and five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen is reportedly close to joining esports organization Team Liquid. The signing of the consensus best chess player in the world would align with the upcoming debut of chess at the Esports World Cup.
Magnus Carlsen in “Advanced Negotiations” with Liquid
Per a report from Sheep Esports reporter Alejandro “anonimotum” Gomis, Magnus Carlsen is likely to sign a deal with Liquid. Gomis notes in their report that with chess debuting at the Esports World Cup in 2025, Liquid is likely seeking to expand its winnings potential. In the inaugural EWC in 2024, Liquid finished second in the club championship race behind Falcons, taking home $4 million in addition to the prizes won from individual competitions.
To even those only slightly familiar with chess, Carlsen is known as one of the greatest players of all-time, if not the greatest. He’s held the International Chess Federation’s number one ranking since July 2011. He became the first player to hold the Chess, Rapid, and Blitz world championships at the same time in 2014, and then accomplished that feat again two more times. Carlsen most recently made the news after withdrawing from the Rapid and Blitz world championships, after being warned and fined for wearing jeans. He did end up competing in the Blitz tournament after the dress code was loosened, but again sparked controversy after successfully proposing to share the championship after a deadlocked tie with Ian Nepomniachtchi.
Chess isn’t the only game making its debut at the Esports World Cup in the event’s second year. Just yesterday, the EWC announced that VALORANT would join Riot Games titles League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics at the 2025 tournament.
Is this the biggest name outside of esports to sign with an organization? Let us know on the Insider Gaming forum.
For more Insider Gaming esports, check out the news of Vitality’s win at IEM Katowice.
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