Magnus Carlsen Wins Division I of the 2024 Julius Baer Generation Cup, Wesley So and Fabiano Caruana Victorious in Divisions II and III

In a thrilling showdown, GM Magnus Carlsen emerged victorious in Division I of the 2024 Julius Baer Generation Cup after defeating GM Alireza Firouzja in the Grand Final with a score of 2.5-1.5. The world number-one showcased his brilliance by breaking through in the final game with a stunning move, 40.e6!! after three hard-fought draws.

The competition was fierce, with no reset in any of the matches, as the Winners Bracket victors also triumphed in the other divisions. GM Wesley So claimed victory in Division II after a white win in armageddon against GM Denis Lazavik, while GM Fabiano Caruana dominated Division III with a 2.5-0.5 win over GM Vincent Keymer.

Carlsen described the match as his best one yet, highlighting the high quality of play and expressing his excitement for upcoming events. He earned $30,000 for his win, with Firouzja taking home $20,000 as the runner-up. Both players will meet again in Oslo at the end of the year.

In Division II, So’s match with Lazavik was a rollercoaster of emotions, with So ultimately clinching victory in the armageddon tiebreak. Despite some blunders and close calls, So emerged triumphant, earning $15,000 compared to Lazavik’s $10,000.

Caruana’s dominance in Division III was evident as he secured victory without playing a fourth game against Keymer. Despite a rough start to the event, Caruana controlled the games he won and earned $7,500, with Keymer taking home $6,000.

The 2024 Julius Baer Generation Cup marks the conclusion of the Champions Chess Tour’s four events, with the top players advancing to the in-person CCT Finals. The event featured a $300,000 prize fund and showcased top-tier chess talent in intense and strategic battles.