The Esports World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony took place on July 8 at La Seine Musicale, Paris. Magnus Carlsen participated in the ceremony as a representative of the chess discipline.

Carlsen sat at the board in the center of the arena. The ceremony host joined him, and after a couple of moves they shook hands and ‘drew’ the game. Magnus did not take part in bringing the EWC cup to the stand.

The Esports World Cup is a premier annual international gaming tournament and festival. The chess event at the 2026 edition will run from August 11 to 15 in Paris, France. The tournament prize pool is $1,500,000 with $250,000 for first place.

Credit: Esports World Cup YouTube