Magnus Carlsen Clinches Fifth Speed Chess Championship Title in Thrilling Final Against Alireza Firouzja
Magnus Carlsen Clinches Fifth Speed Chess Championship Title in Thrilling London Final
London, UK — In a gripping showdown that showcased the pinnacle of speed chess, Magnus Carlsen secured his fifth Speed Chess Championship title on Sunday, defeating rising star Alireza Firouzja 15–12 in a hard-fought final held before a live audience in London. This victory marks Carlsen’s third consecutive triumph in the event, further solidifying his status as a dominant force in elite chess.
The London finals were particularly special, being only the second time the championship’s concluding stages were played live, following last year’s inaugural event in Paris. Once again, the title match featured Carlsen and Firouzja, but this year’s encounter proved to be a much tighter contest compared to the previous year’s one-sided affair, where Carlsen triumphed 23½–7½.
Organized by Chess.com, the Speed Chess Championship has now been held ten times, with only two players ever lifting the trophy: Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura, who are now tied with five titles each. The championship format, which combines 5-minute, 3-minute, and 1-minute games, has played a crucial role in elevating online speed chess from a casual pastime to a prestigious competitive arena.
Carlsen’s Path to Victory
Firouzja entered the final after a grueling semifinal victory over Nakamura and started confidently. In the opening 90-minute 5+1 segment, the French-Iranian player won games five and six, briefly taking the lead. However, Carlsen responded with three consecutive wins, closing the segment with a two-point advantage.
The second phase, played at a 3+1 time control, was evenly matched, with each player scoring two wins and the rest of the games ending in draws, resulting in a 4½–4½ split. Carlsen maintained his narrow lead heading into the decisive bullet portion.
Despite being thirteen years younger, Firouzja had already demonstrated his resilience earlier in the tournament by overcoming a similar deficit against Nakamura. Starting the final 1+1 segment two points behind, he remained hopeful for a comeback.
However, Carlsen quickly extended his lead by winning the opening bullet game. The match then stabilized, with both players trading wins and draws, ultimately concluding with Carlsen’s victory at 15–12.
A Tribute to Legacy
This year’s championship also introduced the Daniel Naroditsky Cup, named in honor of the late American grandmaster and beloved speed chess figure. The trophy will permanently display the names of all past champions, creating a symbolic bridge between the championship’s rich history and its promising future.
Upset in the Consolation Match
Earlier in the day, the third-place match produced a stunning upset as 19-year-old Denis Lazavik defeated Nakamura 13½–12½. Nakamura initially took the lead by winning the 5+1 segment 4½–3½, but Lazavik turned the tide in the 3+1 phase, winning it 6–3 to establish a two-point cushion.
The bullet segment proved tense, with both players trading wins and draws. However, as time expired mid-game, championship regulations dictated that the game still counted toward the final score. In a moment of miscalculation, Nakamura allowed a perpetual check, inadvertently sealing Lazavik’s victory.
“He’s a very strong opponent, so I’m very happy to win,” Lazavik remarked after his impressive performance.
As the chess world reflects on this thrilling championship, Carlsen’s enduring legacy and the emergence of new talent like Firouzja and Lazavik promise an exciting future for the game.