Esports World Cup 2025 – Quarterfinals
Game 1 was a tense affair, with Alireza Firouzja pressing hard and holding the advantage for most of the battle - but he couldn’t break through. Nodirbek Abdusattorov held his ground with steely nerves and walked away with a crucial half-point.
Now, as Game 2 kicks off, Nodirbek has the white pieces and a fresh opportunity to take control. Will he turn the tables and push Alireza onto the back foot? Or will Firouzja strike back with his signature speed and precision?
🎙️ The tension is building. One missed chance behind them - three games to go. Let’s dive in.
We’re diving into an intriguing line of the Caro-Kann on the board. This one’s already shaping up to be a fascinating clash!
Both players have castled kingside, prioritizing king safety and stepping into a well-structured middlegame. Let the real battle begin!
Nodirbek brings his dark-squared bishop into play, steadily completing his development.
Alireza holds a slight edge on the board and seems firmly in control. His pieces are active, his strategy clear, and his energy is matching his position.
He looked composed before the game too - when asked how he felt, his response was simple and confident: "Ready to fight."
So far, he’s backing that up on the board.
🧱 Fortress or Illusion?
Nodirbek is down an exchange, but he’s locking up the position brilliantly! By shutting down open lines, he’s making it tough for Alireza to fully exploit his material edge. Can he hold the fortress, or will Alireza find a breakthrough?
Both players are engaged in a high-stakes waiting game - maneuvering carefully, probing subtly, and waiting for the slightest chance.
An inaccuracy from Alireza drops his edge in the position. He had the advantage, but this misstep gives Nodirbek a chance to fight back and level the game!
Could this be a rare misstep from Alireza? His last move leaves room for tactical trouble - let's see if Nodirbek can seize the moment!
Nodirbek, tactically sharp as ever, seizes a pawn using a clever pin! Precise and opportunistic play - classic Nodirbek!
A well-timed, resourceful move by Alireza! With this, he neutralizes the pressure and steers the game toward a balanced endgame - calm under fire, and inching closer to a draw.
What a game! Both Alireza and Nodirbek fought hard, created chances, and tested each other at every turn - but once again, no decisive result. Game 2 ends in a draw after a tense, back-and-forth battle.
Both players had their moments, but neither could convert - a testament to their resilience and sharpness. This match is heating up fast with two games still to go!