The ASEAN E-Sports Chess Cup & Mentorship 2026, the first international esports chess tournament in Southeast Asia, officially concluded in Thailand. Held under the theme “Strategy Connects Asia,” the landmark event gathered 22 elite players, including world-class grandmasters and rising regional talents, competing in a fast-paced rapid chess format.
World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen of Norway claimed the historic championship title after defeating Russian grandmaster Andrey Esipenko in a dramatic Armageddon playoff, cementing his status as the inaugural winner of the ASEAN E-Sports Chess Cup.
The tournament also witnessed a sensational upset that captured global attention. Thailand’s Pakornnarong Liwkasemsarn, a 10-year-old chess prodigy, stunned spectators by defeating Grandmaster Esipenko during the group stage matches. This remarkable victory highlighted the immense potential of Thailand’s next generation of strategic thinkers.
The event was co-organized by WR Chess, the Thailand Chess Association, the Thailand E-Sports Federation, and the ASEAN Chess Confederation, aiming to position Thailand as a regional hub for chess, esports, and mind sports.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, emphasizing the Thai government’s commitment to leveraging esports and strategic sports as vital platforms for developing analytical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills necessary for the digital economy.
The star-studded lineup featured world No. 2 Fabiano Caruana of the United States, former Women’s World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk, Emirati grandmaster Salem A.R. Saleh, alongside top representatives from 11 Southeast Asian nations.
In addition to the main tournament, a specialized Mentorship Program was held, allowing aspiring youth players to learn directly from the world’s top grandmasters. The event marks a significant milestone in Thailand’s ongoing efforts to integrate sports, technology, and education.
