Magnus Carlsen, Norwegian chess grandmaster, partnered with the Saudi-backed Esports World Cup, serving as a global ambassador. The event, boasting a $70 million prize pool and over 2,000 participants, includes chess for the first time. Carlsen's involvement follows his previous participation in Saudi Arabia, where he won the 2017 world championships in rapid and blitz chess. His decision to collaborate with Saudi Arabia has raised questions given past concerns about human rights issues in the kingdom.

Carlsen's role, alongside other prominent athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, and Lionel Messi, is part of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to leverage sports and entertainment to enhance its global image. This strategy includes significant financial investments in various sports and the development of esports infrastructure. While Carlsen has been involved in human rights initiatives in the past, his current partnership underscores the kingdom's ability to attract high-profile figures.

Impact Statement: Carlsen's partnership highlights the growing influence of Saudi Arabia in global sports and the complex ethical considerations involved for athletes partnering with nations facing human rights criticisms.