FIDE World Cup: Esipenko claims third place, final set for rapid tiebreaks

GM Andrey Esipenko has secured the final berth in the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament after defeating GM Nodirbek Yakubboev 2-0 to claim third place in the 2025 FIDE World Cup. Yakubboev, who needed a win in the decisive game to secure third, miscalculated into a nearly hopeless position, allowing Esipenko to seal victory and a $60,000 prize. Yakubboev finished fourth, earning $50,000.

While the third-place match concluded decisively, the World Cup final between GM Wei Yi and GM Javokhir Sindarov remains unresolved. Both players drew their last game quickly, setting the stage for a tiebreak showdown to determine the $120,000 winner’s prize. The tiebreaks are scheduled to start today at 4:30 a.m. ET / 10:30 CET / 3 p.m. IST.

The concluding games of the tournament were marked by quiet endgames, with few winning chances on the board. Neither Esipenko nor Yakubboev, and likewise Wei Yi and Sindarov, appeared willing to hunt down long, complex manoeuvres. Most of these games concluded in under 25 minutes, with the main focus being to reach move 30, after which draw offers are permitted under FIDE rules.

Esipenko’s achievement not only secures a significant cash prize but also guarantees his participation in the elite Candidates Tournament, which determines the challenger for the reigning World Champion. The World Cup final tiebreaks promise to deliver an exciting and dramatic conclusion to the month-long event, showcasing high-level preparation and nerves under pressure.

The 2025 FIDE World Cup, featuring a highly competitive field, has highlighted strategic depth, rapid endgame decisions, and the emergence of rising chess talent on the global stage. From tense middle-game manoeuvres to swift, precise endgames, the tournament underlined the ever-increasing strength of international chess. With Esipenko’s qualification confirmed and the final tiebreaks imminent, fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the thrilling conclusion.