Magnus Carlsen joins Team Liquid: “This is the biggest signing in Team Liquid’s history.”

Just a day after the signing of Fabiano Caruana, Magnus Carlsen joined the Team Liquid chess roster. Both of them will debut as Team Liquid players at the Champions Chess Tour Chessable Masters 2025 event. Here's what the five-time World Chess Championship winner had to say about joining Team Liquid and more.

Magnus Carlsen has joined Team Liquid, adding another top-tier player to the organization's chess lineup. According to Carlsen himself, being part of Team Liquid is very exciting. He also called it a "perfect fit," describing Team Liquid as a fun brand.

"It is so exciting to be a part of what I believe is the biggest and best esports team in the world. As one of the biggest names in chess myself, partnering up with the best team and a fun brand is a perfect fit," Carlsen said.

The chess champion continued, adding chess in an esports setting is super exciting and that's where he sees the future of chess in faster formats. "I look forward to chess players becoming staples of esports teams from now on," he said.

Co-CEO of Team Liquid, Steve Arhancet, shared some of his thoughts as well. Similar to Carlsen, he said he's excited about the signing — even calling it the "biggest signing in Team Liquid's history" and describing Carlsen as a "dream player for any team." Arhancet also shared how the evolution of chess as a spectator sport would attract new interest.

"We've signed the greatest chess player of all time in Magnus, and I could not be more thrilled," he said. "This is the biggest signing in Team Liquid's history and a dream player for any team. There aren't many athletes who transcend their game in the way that Magnus does. He is in a class all to himself and we're honored that he has chosen us as his home in chess' esports era."

As noted, Carlsen is a five-time World Chess Champion. He's also the highest-rated player in history, holding the top ranking for over 14 years. Beyond his achievements, the player is dedicated to growing and evolving chess. According to an announcement, his partnership with Team Liquid will introduce chess to younger viewers.

The announcement revealed that Team Liquid will produce chess content on a new YouTube channel aimed at gamers as well. Meanwhile, its partner, IMC, will serve as the primary sponsor for the chess team. For example, the IMC logo will appear on jerseys at events like the Champions Chess Tour and the Esports World Cup.

That's all for now. Stick around on esports.gg for more news and updates.