The 2025 Chessable Masters, the first leg of this year’s Champions Chess Tour, concluded with a thrilling showdown between two of the greatest chess players of our time: Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura. Carlsen emerged victorious with a 2.5-1.5 score, showcasing his dominance in online chess. The Norwegian grandmaster not only claimed the $25,000 prize and 100 tour points but also solidified his reputation as the king of the Champions Chess Tour.
About this Tournament
The Chessable Masters brought together the world’s top players, competing in a knockout format for a spot in the 2025 Esports World Cup. Carlsen and Nakamura, both fan favorites, navigated their way through the playoffs with impressive performances. Carlsen defeated rising star Arjun Erigaisi in a close match, while Nakamura overcame Alireza Firouzja in a hard-fought semifinal. The stage was set for a blockbuster final between the two titans of chess.
The Grand Final: Carlsen vs. Nakamura
The Grand Final was a best-of-four match, and Carlsen wasted no time asserting his dominance. He overmatched Nakamura in the first game, then held on for three successive draws to take the title. While the draws might sound uneventful, they were anything but—each game had its share of drama, missed opportunities, and brilliant moments.
Game 1: Carlsen Strikes First
Carlsen set the tone early with a commanding win in the first game. He followed a line from a previous game between Nakamura and GM Hans Niemann but deviated with a clever plan, creating a passed a-pawn. Nakamura missed the critical move 29…Ba4!, which could have neutralized the threat, and his position collapsed shortly after with 32…Bc4 blunder that wins the bishop later. Carlsen converted his advantage smoothly, taking an early lead in the match.
Games 2 and 3: Nakamura’s Missed Chances
The second game was Nakamura’s best chance to strike back. After Carlsen’s mistake with 30…Qe7?, Nakamura had a golden opportunity to play 31.Nxe5!, transitioning into a winning pawn endgame. Instead, he played 31.Ne1?, allowing Carlsen to stabilize the position. Nakamura later admitted that the lack of increment (time pressure) affected his decision-making. The game ended in a draw, leaving Nakamura frustrated and Carlsen still in the lead.
The third game was a quick 10-move draw, a strategic decision by Nakamura to conserve energy for the final game. Carlsen, leading by one point, accepted the draw, knowing he only needed a draw in the last game to secure the match.
Game 4: Carlsen’s Queen Gone, still a draw
In a must-win situation, Nakamura pressed hard in the fourth game. Carlsen blundered a one-move discovered attack, but instead of crumbling, he sacrificed his queen for a rook and bishop. This bold decision created chaos on the board, and Carlsen’s minor pieces became incredibly active. Despite being down material, Carlsen outmanoeuvred Nakamura’s queen, forcing a draw to a position where Nakamura could have won, but with only 10 seconds remaining on the clock, Nakamura offered the draw and magnus happily accepted.
Carlsen’s victory in the 2025 Chessable Masters is a reminder of why he is considered the greatest chess player of his generation. His ability to navigate complex positions, exploit small advantages, and stay calm under pressure sets him apart. Nakamura, while formidable, continues to struggle against Carlsen in critical moments, highlighting the Norwegian’s psychological edge in their rivalry.