EWC 2026 Chess Play-In: Grischuk, Artemiev and Wei Yi Make Strong Starts in Paris
Upper Bracket Round 1 is underway at the Esports World Cup 2026 Chess Play-In, with three major names already securing victories in Paris.
The EWC 2026 Chess Play-In has entered Upper Bracket Round 1 in Paris, bringing some of the world's strongest chess players into a high-stakes battle for advancement.
The opening matches have already delivered several important results. Alexander Grischuk, Vladislav Artemiev and Wei Yi have all secured victories, while the matchup between Liem Quang Liem and Oleksandr Bortnyk remained in progress at the time of the latest update.
Grischuk Survives Three-Game Battle Against Chithambaram
Alexander Grischuk opened his EWC 2026 Chess Play-In campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Aravindh Chithambaram.
The contest went the full three games before Grischuk managed to secure the series and move forward in the Upper Bracket.
The victory gives Grischuk an important early advantage as the Upper Bracket continues.
Artemiev Claims Another 2-1 Victory
Vladislav Artemiev also advanced after defeating Parham Maghsoodloo 2-1.
The match went to three games, with Artemiev eventually closing out the series and keeping his Upper Bracket run alive.
Artemiev now moves forward after surviving another closely contested opening-round matchup.
Wei Yi Takes the Lead Against Esipenko
Wei Yi defeated Andrey Esipenko 1-0 in their opening matchup.
The result puts Wei Yi in a strong position as the Play-In Round 1 action continues in Paris.
Liem Quang Liem vs Bortnyk Still Underway
The matchup between Liem Quang Liem and Oleksandr Bortnyk was still live at the time of the latest updates.
The final result will determine which player continues through the Upper Bracket and how the next stage of the Play-In bracket develops.
EWC 2026 Chess Play-In: Round 1 Results
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Alexander Grischuk vs Aravindh Chithambaram | 2-1 |
| Vladislav Artemiev vs Parham Maghsoodloo | 2-1 |
| Wei Yi vs Andrey Esipenko | 1-0 |
| Liem Quang Liem vs Oleksandr Bortnyk | LIVE |
Why the Opening Results Matter
The Upper Bracket provides players with an important route deeper into the EWC 2026 Chess Play-In. Every victory increases a player's chances of continuing through the tournament without immediately facing an elimination scenario.
Grischuk and Artemiev have already survived three-game battles, while Wei Yi has established an early advantage against Esipenko. With the remaining Round 1 matches still being played, the bracket is beginning to take shape.
The Battle Continues in Paris
The EWC 2026 Chess Play-In remains underway in Paris, with Upper Bracket Round 1 delivering closely contested matches and important early victories.
Grischuk, Artemiev and Wei Yi have made strong starts, while the Liem Quang Liem versus Oleksandr Bortnyk matchup remains one to watch as the action continues.
More results will follow as the remaining Round 1 matches are completed.