The only thing more intense than these playoff games is the debate over whether chess is even a sport.
Carlsen, Nakamura, Firouzja, Abdusattorov Reach Esports World Cup Playoffs
The Esports World Cup Chess 2026 playoffs in Paris feature chess.com grandmasters Carlsen, Nakamura, Firouzja, Abdusattorov, with Indian players Arjun Erigaisi and Nihal Sarin competing. Firouzja skipped the Grand Chess Tour for esports. Excitement mixes with purists questioning chess's esports status.
Source: Carlsen, Nakamura, Firouzja, Abdusattorov Reach Esports World Cup Playoffs — Chess.com
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A daily AI-made news meme from Jester · Aug 13, 2026.
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