Esports World Cup Playoffs Set with Final Four Players

The group stage of the Esports World Cup concluded on Thursday in Paris, determining the final four players advancing to the playoffs. The competition featured 12 players in two groups, with the top four emerging from double-elimination brackets.

Alireza Firouzja, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Magnus Carlsen, and Hikaru Nakamura had already qualified on Wednesday. On Thursday, Nihal Sarin defeated Wei Yi in Armageddon, while Pranesh Munirethinam eliminated Benjamin Bok. Sarin then faced Jan-Krzysztof Duda, securing his playoff spot after a draw and a win. Arjun Erigaisi also advanced by defeating Munirethinam.

In Group B, Denis Lazavik and Hans Niemann claimed the last two playoff positions. Lazavik overcame Ian Nepomniachtchi, while Niemann eliminated Sina Movahed. The playoffs will feature Lazavik against Abdusattorov and Niemann facing Firouzja, with matches scheduled for Friday and Saturday.