The 2026 Chess.com Open Playoffs start tomorrow, running from April 23 to 26. First matches begin at 3:15 PM UTC. The event will feature 16 players from 11 countries.

Playoffs pairings (With qualifying paths):

Pairs Titled Tuesdays Play-ins
1. 🇳🇴 Magnus Carlsen 🇦🇲 Shant Sargsyan
2. 🇩🇪 Vincent Keymer 🇮🇳 Pranesh M
3. 🇷🇺 Denis Lazavik 🇨🇳 Yu Yangyi
4. 🇺🇸 Samuel Sevian 🇺🇿 Nodirbek Abdusattorov
5. 🇵🇱 Jan-Krzysztof Duda 🇷🇺 Ian Nepomniachtchi
6. 🇮🇳 Arjun Erigaisi 🇮🇷 Sina Movahed
7. 🇫🇷 Maxime Vachier-Lagrave 🇮🇳 Nihal Sarin
8. 🇺🇿 Javokhir Sindarov 🇷🇺 Daniil Dubov

The event features a Double-Elimination system with a 10+0 time control. In case of ties for first place, winner will be determined by Armageddon tiebreak.

The Chess.com Open 2026 is a major qualifying pathway for the Esports World Cup 2026, running from March 14 to April 26. The top three finishers in the playoffs qualify for the EWC, and the total tournament prize pool is $250,000.

Credit: Wojciech Wandzel / Esports World Cup