Magnus Carlsen’s Journey to Esports Stardom: A New Documentary on Prime Video Unveils the Competitive Race for Chess’s Biggest Signing
Magnus Carlsen Takes Center Stage in New Prime Video Documentary Ahead of Esports World Cup
A new documentary released on Prime Video is captivating audiences with an inside look at the high-stakes race to secure the signing of chess prodigy Magnus Carlsen ahead of the inaugural Esports World Cup debut for chess. The docuseries, titled Esports World Cup: Level Up, premiered on June 26 and is available to 250 million Prime Video subscribers, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Chess enthusiasts and esports fans alike are buzzing about the documentary, particularly the third episode, “The King and the Coach,” which features an intimate look at Carlsen in his home outside Oslo. The episode not only highlights Carlsen’s journey but also includes insights from fellow grandmasters Alireza Firouzja and Hikaru Nakamura, showcasing the competitive landscape of chess in the esports arena.
The documentary reveals the intense competition among esports organizations to sign Carlsen, with Team Liquid emerging victorious in what has been dubbed the “biggest signing in Team Liquid’s history.” Co-CEO Steve Arhancet shared that the organization faced fierce competition, stating, “I knew that we wanted to sign the best in the world. And it was competitive to do that.”
Team Liquid didn’t stop with Carlsen; they also secured the signing of fellow grandmaster Fabiano Caruana, and later added rising star Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu to their roster, creating a formidable team poised to dominate the chess tournament.
The stakes are high in the esports world, with top players reportedly earning contracts ranging from six figures to multi-million dollar deals. For chess players, joining an esports organization means not only a salary but also bonuses, brand support, and opportunities to contribute to the $30 million Club Championship race.
As the documentary unfolds, it becomes clear that Carlsen was the player everyone wanted. Other teams, including Team Falcons, expressed their desire to sign him, with CEO Mossad Al-Dossary calling Carlsen a “dream” signing. However, financial constraints led Falcons to back away, allowing Team Liquid to secure the chess champion.
Carlsen’s impact on the tournament was undeniable. He went on to win the first-ever Chess Esports World Cup title, defeating Firouzja in the Grand Final and taking home a $250,000 prize. Reflecting on his competitive spirit, Carlsen stated, “I think we felt overall that Liquid had the overall best package, best brand.”
In addition to his success in the tournament, Carlsen is now featured alongside global sports icon Cristiano Ronaldo in a promotional video for the upcoming 2026 Esports World Cup, set to take place in Paris. The video, titled “Greatness Recognizes Greatness,” showcases Carlsen’s unique blend of skill and charisma, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in the esports landscape.
As the excitement builds for the 2026 Esports World Cup, which will feature a $1.5 million prize fund and an expanded format, fans are eager to see how Carlsen and his team will perform. Tickets for the event are now available, with a special discount code for chess enthusiasts.
With Carlsen at the helm, the future of chess in esports looks brighter than ever, and the world will be watching as he continues to redefine the game.