Carlsen, Maghsoodloo, and Ashraf Won Chess Tournaments
The trio claimed victory across three 11-round 3+0 Swiss chess events held on Chess.com this Thursday.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in eSports
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Magnus Carlsen, Parham Maghsoodloo, and Artin Ashraf each secured first place in separate 3+0 Thursday tournaments. These weekly contests consist of 11-round Swiss events with a total prize pool of $3,000.
Why it matters
These tournaments highlight the intense competition within the rapid-fire online chess scene. Participation from top-tier grandmasters ensures the events remain a critical venue for elite players to maintain their sharpness in the 3+0 time control format.
Each of the three tournaments featured 11 rounds of 3+0 play, with a total weekly prize fund of $3,000 distributed among participants. Top women's prize winners in each event finished with 6.5 points.
The players
Magnus Carlsen
He is a Norwegian chess grandmaster who is a former World Chess Champion.
Parham Maghsoodloo
He is an Iranian chess grandmaster and a prominent competitor in international rapid and blitz tournaments.
Hikaru Nakamura
He is an American chess grandmaster and a five-time United States Chess Champion.
Artin Ashraf
He is a competitive chess player who secured a tournament win in the 3+0 series.
The details
Magnus Carlsen claimed the first tournament on tiebreaks after a late mouse slip from Tuan Minh Le, despite a loss to Hikaru Nakamura in the final round. Artin Ashraf secured sole victory in the final event of the day by utilizing a decisive exchange sacrifice against Yoseph Theolifus Taher.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: The three 3+0 Thursday tournaments took place.
Season Trajectory
These results reflect the continued dominance of established grandmasters in the rapidly expanding professional online blitz circuit. Success in these weekly events remains a key indicator of form for players competing in major seasonal rapid championships.
Winners of these events secure a portion of the $3,000 weekly prize fund based on their performance in the 11-round field. Fans tracking these events can see how elite players adapt their openings to high-pressure, 3+0 speed constraints.
The takeaway
Consistent participation in high-speed online events allows professional players to refine their tactical reflexes under strict time constraints. Amateur players can improve their own endgame efficiency by reviewing how grandmasters manage material sacrifices in these rapid formats.
Further reading
Explore the broader competitive landscape in our eSports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chess.
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