Andrey Esipenko spoke about his preparation for the Esports World Cup 2026. Esipenko says that the preparation from the Candidates Tournament didn’t work, and notes his plan for the game against Magnus Carlsen in the Group Stage.

Andrey Esipenko

Andrey Esipenko

Russian GM

“Do I feel the benefit from the preparation for Candidates? I don’t really feel that our preparation worked here…

In general, I’m trying to look at some lines. Most of the time I play what I didn’t want to play in the Candidates. I just try to work every day.

What’s my plan against Magnus? I will sleep well, I hope. I will eat well. I will try to prepare and we will see. I’ll try to just make good moves!”

The Esports World Cup 2026 takes place from August 11 to 15, at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in France. Andrey Esipenko qualified to Group Stage B on August 11. Esipenko will play against Magnus Carlsen in the Group Stage on August 12.

Credit: Esports World Cup X