The first day of Esports World Cup 2025 chess group stage concluded with Levon Aronian, Alireza Firouzja, Arjun Erigaisi and Magnus Carlsen winning their upper bracket winners matches to secure the first quarterfinal spots. Eight players were eliminated to lower brackets where they face elimination matches on July 30.

The Esports World Cup 2025 Group stage uses GSL format with upper and lower brackets determining the two players who advance to quarterfinals from each group. Day 2 features lower bracket elimination and decider matches. The tournament uses 10+0 rapid time control with a $1.5 million total prize pool. Quarterfinal spots guarantee at least $90,000 prize money.