19-year-old GM Denis Lazavik pulled off the day’s largest upset to defeat GM Ian Nepomniachtchi and e-book a 2026 Esports World Cup quarterfinal towards GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov. He is joined by GM Nihal Sarin, who faces GM Magnus Carlsen in a repeat of their 2025 quarterfinal; GM Arjun Erigaisi, who faces GM Hikaru Nakamura; and GM Hans Niemann, who will tackle GM Alireza Firouzja.
The Esports World Cup Playoffs start on Friday, August 14 at 7 a.m. ET / 13:00 CEST / 4:30 p.m. IST.
It is a flash report—come again later for full protection of the day’s motion!
The Decrease Bracket of every group was accomplished on Thursday, with 4 extra gamers qualifying for the Playoffs.
Esports World Cup Group A Last Bracket
Esports World Cup Group B Last Bracket
Our Sport of the Day is Lazavik’s match-clinching win over Nepomniachtchi.
Denis Lazavik knocks out Ian Nepomniachtchi and goes ahead to tomorrow’s Playoffs! https://t.co/ElYL3HWE0w#EWC2026 pic.twitter.com/UisNcW09ec
— chess24 (@chess24com) August 13, 2026
GM Rafael Leitao analyzes the sport beneath.
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The 2026 Esports World Cup in Paris, France has a $1.5 million chess prize fund and $250,000 for first place, whereas esports groups additionally share a $30 million prize fund. 16 gamers certified through the Champions Chess Tour, DreamHack Atlanta, India Rising, or as defending champion (Carlsen), whereas one other 5 certified through the Final Probability Qualifier (August 4-6) in Paris. The principle occasion (August 11-15) includes a Play-In to chop the sphere to 16 gamers, then a Group Stage with two double-elimination teams to halve it once more to eight. These gamers then compete within the Playoffs, a single-elimination knockout for the title. The time management for all video games is 10 minutes, with no increment.
Earlier protection:
- Group Stage, Day 1: Carlsen, Nakamura, Firouzja, Abdusattorov Reach Esports World Cup Playoffs
- Play-In: Esipenko, Wei Yi Join Carlsen & Co. In Esports World Cup Last 16
- Final Probability Qualifier: Artemiev, Maghsoodloo, Wei, Bortnyk, Grischuk Grab Last Spots In Esports World Cup
- Aravindh, Esipenko, Liem Le, Sarana Qualify For Esports World Cup Play-in
- Chess Returns to Esports World Cup in Paris With $1.5M Prize Fund
- Magnus Carlsen Wins 1st Ever Chess Esports World Cup
