A Belarusian Chess Player Surprised Everyone At A Tournament With A $1.5 Million Prize Pool

Lazavik defeated Nepomniachtchi.

Belarusian chess player Denis Lazavik defeated Russian grandmaster Jan Nepomniachtchi in the semifinals of the lower bracket of the group stage at the Esports World Cup 2026 chess tournament.

The Group B match ended with a score of 1.5–0.5 in Lazavik’s favor. In the first game, Nepomniachtchi drew with the white pieces; in the second, he lost with the black pieces.

Thanks to this victory, Lazavik advanced to the playoffs. Previously, Americans Hikaru Nakamura and Hans Niemann, Indians Arjun Erigaisi and Nihal Sarin, Uzbek Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Frenchman Alireza Firuzja, and Norwegian Magnus Carlsen.

The Esports World Cup is taking place in Paris. The total prize pool for the tournament is $75 million, with $1.5 million allocated for the chess competition. The chess tournament playoffs will take place on August 14 and 15.

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