Alireza Firouzja Makes History by Defeating Magnus Carlsen in Chess.com Classic 2024
Alireza Firouzja Makes History by Defeating Magnus Carlsen Twice in Grand Final
In a stunning turn of events, GM Alireza Firouzja has become only the second player to defeat GM Magnus Carlsen two times in a Grand Final of the Champions Chess Tour. The first player to achieve this feat was GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. Firouzja’s victory came in the Chess.com Classic 2024, where he walked away with $30,000, 100 tour points, a spot in the in-person live Finals, and a well-deserved page in chess history.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Carlsen being just one move away from securing his eighth consecutive tournament victory. However, a critical blunder in game four changed the course of the match, allowing Firouzja to win two games on demand and then clinch the armageddon in the second match to complete a remarkable turnaround.
Firouzja, who burst into the headlines in 2020 by defeating Carlsen in Chess24’s Banter Blitz Cup Final at the age of 16, has faced struggles in recent memory, especially in his attempts to qualify for the world championship. However, his victory over Carlsen in the Chess.com Classic 2024 proves that he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of chess.
The match was filled with intense moments, with Carlsen showcasing his brilliance in game three with a stunning maneuver to trap Firouzja’s queen. However, a blunder in game four proved to be the turning point, leading to Firouzja’s victory in the armageddon.
Firouzja’s win is not only a personal triumph but also a significant milestone in the world of chess. With Carlsen still receiving $20,000 and 80 tour points, the competition remains fierce as the players gear up for the upcoming events in the Champions Chess Tour.
The 2024 Chess.com Classic has set the stage for an exciting season of chess, with Firouzja’s victory marking a new chapter in the rivalry between him and Carlsen. The chess world eagerly awaits the next event in the Champions Chess Tour, scheduled for July 17-24, to see what new surprises and triumphs await.