It all comes down to this! After three intense battles, Aronian and Hikaru are locked at 1.5–1.5. Aronian struck back brilliantly in Game 3 to level the score, showing he’s not going down without a fight.
Now, with everything on the line in Game 4, will Hikaru answer back - or will Aronian ride the momentum and clinch the match?
Aronian goes for the ever-reliable Nimzo-Indian Defense - a classic weapon at the top level. Solid, flexible, and full of dynamic potential. Let’s see what plans he has up his sleeve in this all-important Game 4!
Aronian prepares to fianchetto his light-squared bishop, setting up a solid and flexible structure to control key central and queenside squares.
Hikaru's queen move expertly thwarts Aronian’s plan to push the c-pawn forward, keeping the position under control.
With this move, Aronian challenges Hikaru’s queen and paves the way for a potential c-pawn push, aiming to seize space and stir up complications on the queenside.
Hikaru has finally castled, tucking his king safely away on the kingside and bringing his rook closer to the center.
Hikaru looks to activate his knight, aiming to provoke weaknesses in Aronian’s position. A subtle shift that could spark complications ahead!
In an attempt to shut down the long diagonal and shield his king, Aronian pushes a pawn - but it backfires, creating fresh weaknesses instead. A costly decision in a high-stakes moment!
Aronian falters in a tense moment, blundering at a critical juncture! The door is wide open - will Hikaru spot the decisive continuation and seize the game?
What a finish! Hikaru Nakamura finds the killer blow after Aronian’s critical blunder, forcing resignation in just 26 moves.
A clinical, lightning-fast win to close out the match 2.5–1.5! The speed chess titan proves once again why he’s one of the most feared players in this format.
With this victory, Hikaru books his spot in the Esports World Cup 2025 Semifinals - his fans will be fired up for what’s next!