Magnus Carlsen won the Chess.com Open 2026, defeating Polish GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda in the Grand Final on April 26. Magnus played on a tablet throughout the tournament, while most participants played on computers and laptops. Carlsen commented on his choice of device in an interview with Chess.com.

Magnus Carlsen

Magnus Carlsen

World's No. 1

“What about iPad?

I wasn’t really planning on playing in this tournament until the last couple of days… I don’t have a laptop here, so I’d have to use Ella’s MacBook, and she doesn’t really like that, and I understand.

I’m not used to using a Mac either. So, I decided to try playing on an iPad — I already use it on a daily basis anyway.”

The Chess.com Open 2026 is a major qualifying path for the Esports World Cup 2026, running from March 14 to April 26. Polish GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda qualified for the EWC 2026 by finishing second in the event. Winner Magnus Carlsen qualified by winning the 2025 edition of the EWC, freeing up an additional spot for qualification through the CCT 2025-26 Circuit Points.

Credit: Esports World Cup