Carlsen claims Chess World Cup title

Magnus Carlsen emerged triumphant as he defeated India's Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa in a tiebreak showdown on Thursday, securing his status as the Chess World Cup champion.

Following a pair of drawn matches in the initial stages of the final, Carlsen dominated the first of the two tiebreak games and managed a draw in the subsequent round, solidifying his grasp on the coveted World Cup title for the first time in his career.

With this victory, the Norwegian grandmaster has accomplished a remarkable feat, having clinched victory in every prominent individual classical chess tournament. Described by Chess.com as having "completed chess," Carlsen has undoubtedly etched his name in the annals of the sport with his conquest in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Even Carlsen himself acknowledged the magnitude of his achievement on social media. Posting a rhetorical question, "Chess?" along with a GIF from the popular UK TV show 'The Inbetweeners,' where a character humorously declares, "Completed it".

The final match between the seasoned grandmaster and the young Indian prodigy Praggnanandhaa, commonly referred to as Pragg, was exceptionally gripping. The opening pair of draws captured the attention of millions worldwide, with the live stream of the initial final game alone drew a staggering 115,000 viewers, while the tiebreak commanded an audience of over 150,000.

In the tiebreak, structured as a two-game rapid match, Carlsen showcased his prowess as the reigning World Rapid Champion and world No. 1. He adeptly outmaneuvered Pragg, subjecting the 18-year-old to time pressure and securing victory in the first tiebreak game. Requiring only a draw to seize his inaugural World Cup title, Carlsen adeptly maintained his position, further embellishing his collection of chess accolades.

Pragg, who had earlier made history as the youngest international chess master at the age of 10 years, 10 months, and 19 days, showcased his prowess by conquering two of the world's top three players en route to the final. Furthermore, his performance secured his berth in the 2024 Candidates Tournament, the battleground for determining the contender who will challenge for the World Chess Championship.

The winner of the Candidates Tournament will contend for the coveted title against the reigning champion, Ding Liren of China. Ding's triumph marked the end of five-time champion Carlsen's reign, as he chose not to defend his title earlier this year.