Andrey Esipenko defeats Nodirbek Yakubboev in the match for 3rd place at the FIDE World Chess Cup 2025 and qualifies for the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026.

Russian Grandmaster Andrey Esipenko won both games of the match. In the second game, Nodirbek Yakubboev resigned. With this victory, Esipenko has claimed the sixth qualifying spot for the Candidates Tournament.

The FIDE World Cup 2025 takes place in Goa, India, from October 30 to November 27. The players are competing for three slots in the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, as well as a share of the $2,000,000 prize pool. The final match of the World Cup will take place on November 26, where Javokhir Sindarov and Wei Yi will face off in a tie-break.

Credit: FIDE/Michal Walusza