The Grand Chess Tour organizers announced that Alireza Firouzja has withdrawn from the remaining GCT 2026 events. Firouzja stated his desire to compete in the Esports World Cup 2026.

Grand Chess Tour

Grand Chess Tour

International circuit

“As a Full Tour Player, Firouzja signed a player agreement committing to participate in specific Grand Chess Tour events. Alireza has withdrawn from both the Sinquefield Cup and the remainder of the 2026 Grand Chess Tour.

In accordance with the Full Tour Player Agreement, all Grand Chess Tour points earned by Firouzja during the 2026 season are null and void, and the applicable contractual penalties will be applied.

In his communication to the Grand Chess Tour, Firouzja cited a scheduling conflict and his desire, as France’s top-ranked player, to represent his country in another competition.

The Grand Chess Tour respects every player’s right to make individual career decisions. At the same time, the Tour must consistently uphold the commitments and obligations agreed to by all Full Tour Players.”

Alireza Firouzja’s points from Super Rapid & Blitz Poland, Super Chess Classic Romania, and Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia for 2026 will be annulled. GCT does not specify the details of the penalties that will be applied to Firouzja. American GM Samuel Sevian will replace Alireza at the 2026 Sinquefield Cup.

The Last Chance qualification for the Esports World Cup is scheduled for August 6-8, and the main tournament is planned for August 11-15. Grand Chess Tour scheduled the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz for August 2-6, and the Sinquefield Cup for August 10-20. These dates directly overlap, making participation in both tournaments impossible.

Elite chess players, including Alireza, published an open letter addressed to the organizers of GCT and EWC in February. GCT organizers stated that they could not change the dates of their events. EWC did not make public statements regarding the situation and did not change the dates of their events in 2026.

The Esports World Cup is a premier annual international gaming tournament and festival held in Riyadh, with a $1,500,000 prize fund. Grand Chess Tour is an annual circuit of international chess tournaments with a $2,000,000 prize pool.

Credit: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess