Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Carlsen tops prize money list
Magnus Carlsen, the world's top chess player, earned the most prize money in chess in 2025.
He made $1.5 million, which is more than any other chess player.
This money came from different tournaments like the Esports World Cup, World Rapid and Blitz Championship, and Norway Chess.
Carlsen is the only chess player to earn over a million dollars in prize money in 2025.
Other top earners include Fabiano Caruana, Levon Aronian, and Hikaru Nakamura.
Ju Wenjun, the women's world champion, earned $342,203, which is the highest among female players.
Magnus Carlsen earned $1.5 million in prize money in 2025, the only chess player to reach seven figures.
Carlsen's earnings came from tournaments like the Esports World Cup, World Rapid and Blitz Championship, and Norway Chess.
Carlsen's total career prize money earnings are $1,22,32,249 (approximately Rs 109 crore).
Fabiano Caruana, Levon Aronian, and Hikaru Nakamura were the next top earners with $8,89,598, $7,51,881, and $5,88,911 respectively.
Ju Wenjun, the women's world champion, earned $342,203, placing her just outside the top 10.
- Who
- Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, Levon Aronian, Hikaru Nakamura, Ju Wenjun
- What
- Magnus Carlsen earned the most prize money in chess in 2025
- When
- 2025
- Where
- Various tournaments worldwide
- Why
- Magnus Carlsen participated in multiple high-prize tournaments and won significant amounts
Magnus Carlsen's Earnings
Other Top Earners
Prize Money
Magnus Carlsen's Earnings
Magnus Carlsen earned $1.5 million in prize money in 2025, making him the only chess player to reach seven figures.
Other Top Earners
Other top earners include Fabiano Caruana ($8,89,598), Levon Aronian ($7,51,881), and Hikaru Nakamura ($5,88,911).
- Top Earner
- Magnus Carlsen
- Total Prize Money
- $1.5 million in 2025
- Total Career Earnings
- $1,22,32,249 (approximately Rs 109 crore)
- Second Highest Earner
- Fabiano Caruana ($8,89,598)
- Third Highest Earner
- Levon Aronian ($7,51,881)
- Fourth Highest Earner
- Hikaru Nakamura ($5,88,911)
- Top Female Earner
- Ju Wenjun ($342,203)
