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Maxime Vachier-Lagrave Wins AI Cup

2026-06-24 · Maxime Vachier-Lagrave · Match Report

Maxime Vachier-Lagrave defeated world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in two matches to win the 2023 AI Cup. He qualified for the upcoming Champions Chess Tour Finals in Toronto with this victory.

What happened?

Vachier-Lagrave won the first game in the first match of the Grand Final before the next four games ended in draws. The Frenchman forced a Grand Final “Reset” by winning the first match.

Why it matters for Maxime Vachier-Lagrave

Vachier-Lagrave's wins over Carlsen were crucial in his title tilt. He took victory in both games of the second match to seal the tournament win. Carlsen went for a queen sacrifice in the first game of the second match but his gamble ultimately failed.

What comes next?

Vachier-Lagrave will compete in the Champions Chess Tour Finals in Toronto. He began his unlikely title tilt in impressive style, winning the first game in the first match. The French grandmaster's decision to go for a bishop sacrifice turned the game on its head. “I thought it might disrupt the course of the game,” Vachier-Lagrave said afterwards, according to Chess.com. His decision paid off and he sealed a comprehensive series of wins over Carlsen. Vachier-Lagrave won the 2023 AI Cup on September 30, 2023, as reported by CNN. The tournament win booked the last remaining spot in the Champions Chess Tour Finals.

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