The Esports World Cup 2025 chess playoffs aren’t just about flashy screens and grandmaster moves, they’re about passion, nerves of steel, and, of course, jaw-dropping comebacks and horrendous slips. Day 2 at Riyadh was pulse-racing, with upsets, surprises, and absolute heartbreaks for some fan favorites. So, let’s take a look at who is in the final eight standing at the Esports World Cup 2025 chess playoffs.
Who reached the Esports World Cup 2025 chess playoffs from the Winners Bracket?
These players brought their ‘A’ game right from the start and made their way to the Esports World Cup 2025 chess playoffs through the winners’ bracket without ever dropping to the lower ranks. Levon Aronian absolutely dominated Group A, proving once again why he’s one of the coolest under pressure.
Arjun Erigaisi powered through Group B, giving Indian chess fans plenty to cheer for. Meanwhile, Alireza Firouzja showed pure class in Group C, reminding everyone why he’s the next big thing. And Magnus Carlsen, no surprises here, the world champ took care of business in Group D.
The Fighters: Who Made it from the Esports World Cup 2025 chess playoffs the Losers Bracket?
Not everyone has a straight path, and some thrive on doing it the hard way! Day 2 was all about resilience, as these four clawed their way back from the brink:
Ian Nepomniachtchi (Group A): Bounced back hard after an early stumble and played some sharp games to secure his spot in the Esports World Cup 2025 chess playoffs.
Nihal Sarin (Group B): Young and ice-cool, Nihal powered through veterans like Giri and MVL, turning close battles into ticket punches.
Hikaru Nakamura (Group C): Almost out, but always fighting, Nakamura clutched up with pre-moves and speed, making it look way too easy in the end, and secured his spot in the Esports World Cup 2025 chess playoffs.
Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Group D): Was on the brink, had to deal with armageddon matches, but made his experience count, especially with that wild mouse slip from his opponent, Duda, on move 5! That moment alone will be remembered for years.
Seriously, every point was a tough fight. Mouse slips, time scrambles, and nail-biting finishes set the stage for some truly epic comebacks.
Who Missed Out?
It wouldn’t be the Esports World Cup 2025 chess playoffs without heartbreak. Some world-class names like Vladislav Artemiev, Anish Giri, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Fabiano Caruana, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, and Wei Yi were sent home. The exit that left fans open-mouthed? Duda’s shocking mouse slip resignation, possibly the costliest CTRL-Z in esports all year.
What’s Next?
Now, with only eight left standing, the stakes and the prize pool have never been higher. Quarterfinals kick off later today, July 31, in Riyadh, and each remaining champion is guaranteed at least $85,000 for their run so far. But let’s be real, the only thing on their minds is lifting that trophy and pocketing the grand prize.
