Magnus Carlsen becomes the world’s first bitcoin chess champion after defeating Wesley in the toughest FTX Crypto Cup final. He receives $60,000 first prize with a 0.6 bitcoin bonus offered by the tournament sponsors of FTX. This is the most expensive prize pot offered in an elite online chess event. Magnus said that it was pretty sick that he came back five times when he needed it and he also lost twice. It was absolutely insane and he is just so happy.
He also had his lead at the top of the $1.5 million Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Table and turns two defeats in the final this season. The champion had to dig in-depth to win over the US star as the record-breaking final went down to a thrilling play-off. Carlsen won as he was running out of time in a losing position though, he punched the opponent as he resigned. The opponent, Wesley said that he would like to thank Magnus, he thought Carlsen is the fully deserved winner as Wesley thought he played the best.
For the third-place position, Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi defeats Teimour with a score of 2.5-1.5. He secured $25,000 and 0.25 bitcoin prize for finishing third in the match between the losing semi-finalist in the FTX Crypto Cup.
