Arjun Erigaisi on Verge of Crossing 2800 in WR Chess Masters Cup Final

GM Arjun Erigaisi is on the brink of crossing the coveted 2800 rating mark after a thrilling performance in the 2024 WR Chess Masters Cup Semifinals. Erigaisi secured a crucial win in the first game against GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu and narrowly escaped defeat in the second game when his opponent missed a winning move on the last turn. With just one win away from reaching 2800, Erigaisi now gears up to face the formidable Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in the Final.

The Semifinals saw intense battles and unexpected twists, with Praggnanandhaa’s aggressive play backfiring against Erigaisi, leading to a decisive endgame. Despite needing only a draw in the second game, Erigaisi opted for a combative approach, ultimately capitalizing on his opponent’s mistake to secure victory.

On the other hand, Vachier-Lagrave showcased his resilience in a thrilling armageddon match against Alireza Firouzja, where a last-minute blunder from Firouzja turned the tables in Vachier-Lagrave’s favor. The stage is now set for a high-stakes Final showdown between Erigaisi and Vachier-Lagrave, with the prospect of not only claiming the championship but also earning valuable FIDE circuit points.

The Final of the WR Chess Masters Cup is scheduled to commence on October 17, promising a clash of titans and a battle for supremacy in the chess world. With the race to qualify for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament heating up, both players have a lot at stake in this crucial encounter. Stay tuned for an exhilarating finale to this prestigious tournament.