Andrey Esipenko revealed his connection to Chess.com dates back to when he was 10 years old and possibly among the platform’s earliest sponsored players. The Russian GM reflected on his online chess journey while competing at the Esports World Cup 2025 Last Chance Qualifier in Riyadh, where he secured a spot in the finals.

Andrey Esipenko

Andrey Esipenko

Russian Grandmaster (2679)

I started to play on Chess.com when I was 10. It was at this point super new. Like literally nobody played there and if I’m not mistaken, I was even sponsored by Chess.com at some point when I was 10 or something like this, maybe 11. I was analyzing some games and I think so if I’m not mistaken, I need to check it. Maybe it’s my dreams or something. I don’t know, but I’m pretty sure I was sponsored by Chess.com.

Esipenko currently competes in Group A winners bracket after defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi. The Esports World Cup 2025 features 16 players competing in four GSL groups with a $1.5 million prize pool. Two players from each group advance to the quarterfinals, with winners bracket players needing one more victory to secure their spots.