Esports World Cup 2025 Chess Playoffs: The First Four Quarterfinalists

It’s just been a day since the tournament began, and we are already at the Esports World Cup 2025 Chess Playoffs, which has fans and experts alike on the edge of their seats. After Day 1, we officially have our first four quarterfinalists. Forget traditional chess vibes, here, it’s noise-cancelling headphones, jamming music, roaring crowds, and the world’s best chess giants under the spotlight. So, who made it to the Esports Chess World Cup 2025 Playoffs first? Let’s break it down.

Esports World Cup 2025 Chess Playoffs: The First Four Quarterfinalists

1. Levon Aronian (Group A)

Levon Aronian entered Riyadh representing Team Reject, and he delivered. He flagged Vladislav Artemiev in a nearly drawn endgame, then took down Andrey Esipenko with authority. The key? Staying active and never getting too passive, which he admitted was a past mistake. Levon just loves to play for the thrill, and this time it paid off with a ticket straight to the Esports World Cup 2025 Chess Playoffs.

2. Arjun Erigaisi (Group B)

Arjun rolled through with smart, fearless chess. Known for his sharp preparation and fast play, he stormed into the playoffs after winning two matches in the group phase. His calmness under pressure and ability to spot tactics made the difference, putting India back on the esports chess map while representing Gen G.

3. Alireza Firouzja (Group C)

Alireza Firouzja, representing Team Falcons’ road, was anything but easy. Facing heavyweights like Hikaru Nakamura and Wei Yi, he managed nerve-wracking time scrambles, taking down both on his route to the Esports World Cup 2025 Chess Playoffs. Firouzja called one of his games “crazy,” just how we like it. His ability to keep it cool, even when losing control for a second, sealed his spot in the First Four Quarterfinalists.

4. Magnus Carlsen (Group D)

Was it ever in doubt? Carlsen, playing for Team Liquid, showed his class, squeezing through a complicated group with wins over tough rivals Jan-Krzysztof Duda and Nodirbek Abdusattorov. He called the games “out of control at times,” but as always, delivered when it mattered most. The crowd, the music, the lights, Magnus just shrugged and played like he was at home. Result: another playoff spot for the world champ.

What’s Next?

Don’t blink! The action is far from over. The “Losers Bracket” still has big names fighting for survival, Nepomniachtchi, Nakamura, Caruana, and more. The Esports World Cup 2025 Chess Playoffs promise to be a supercharged collision of blitzing egos and pure genius. Let’s see who joins the first four in the next round.

Also Read: Chess At Esports World Cup 2025: A Historic Debut and How It Works