American GM Fabiano Caruana explained why he didn’t play in Round 8 of the 2026 Chess.com Open First Play-In. Caruana points out that it wasn’t his fault he was disconnected from the game, and notes that he’s not the only one who encountered this problem.

Fabiano Caruana

Fabiano Caruana

World No. 3

“The Chess.com thing disconnected me and gave me a 0-point bye in round 8 of their event where only 2 places qualify and everyone is within half a point of each other.

My internet didn’t drop out. I was active in the play zone and as soon as the break timer ended it auto forfeits me.

Pretty sure I’m not the only one affected by this bug too. It doesn’t even give a time penalty, just instantly forfeits you…”

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. On March 16 Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi won the first Play-In, and American GM Fabiano Caruana finished in 7th place.

Credit: Lennart Ootes