The first match of the Speed Chess Championship Finals 2026 in London has concluded. After 26 games, Denis Lazavik scored 8 wins and 11 draws, defeating Hikaru Nakamura with a score of 13.5-12.5.

With this victory Denis Lazavik takes 3rd place at SCC 2026. This result qualifies him for the Esports World Cup 2026, which will be held from August 11th to 15th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Speed Chess Championship is a premier online/live hybrid, single-elimination tournament organized by Chess.com. Event features a Match clock system with Blitz & Bullet games: 90 minutes of 5+1, 60 minutes of 3+1, and 30 minutes of 1+1. The SCC 2026 Finals takes place in London, UK on February 8.

Credit: Chess.com