Sina Movahed Triumphs in Play-In 3 of the 2026 Chess.com Open, Setting Up Knockout Match Against Arjun Erigaisi
Fifteen-Year-Old Sina Movahed Triumphs in 2026 Chess.com Open Play-In 3
In a stunning display of skill and strategy, fifteen-year-old Grandmaster Sina Movahed emerged victorious in Play-In 3 of the 2026 Chess.com Open, finishing with an impressive score of 7.5 out of 9. Movahed’s remarkable performance has secured him a spot in the knockout stage, where he has chosen fellow GM Arjun Erigaisi as his opponent.
The competition was fierce, with 85 players vying for a chance to qualify for the prestigious tournament. Among them were seasoned GMs like Vladislav Artemiev and Nihal Sarin, who both fell short in the tiebreaks after finishing with 7 points. GMs Daniil Dubov and Fabiano Caruana, however, advanced to a playoff, with Dubov ultimately winning both games. In a moment of spontaneity, Dubov initially considered selecting the legendary Magnus Carlsen as his opponent but ultimately opted for Javokhir Sindarov.
The stakes were high in this penultimate Play-In, as only one opportunity remains for players to secure their place in the tournament. The final Play-In is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, at 12:00 p.m. ET, where two more spots will be up for grabs in the race for the $50,000 top prize and three coveted spots in the Esports World Cup.
Movahed’s journey to victory was not without its challenges. The young prodigy, who recently won the ChessKid Under 16 Youth Championship, faced off against some of the world’s best, including a notable win against GM Wesley So in the first round. Reflecting on his success, Movahed stated, “You have to beat four or five super-GMs, which is very tough, especially in rapid. This time I played good enough and I was very lucky!”
The tournament format featured a nine-round Swiss open, with games played at a rapid pace of 10 minutes per player, no increment. The pressure was palpable, as any loss could mean the end of a player’s hopes for qualification. Notable early exits included GM Wesley So and GM Levon Aronian, both of whom faced unexpected defeats.
As the rounds progressed, Movahed maintained his composure, even as other contenders faltered. His ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes was evident, particularly in the penultimate round when Dubov blundered a full rook, allowing Movahed to seize the opportunity.
With only one Play-In left, the chess community is abuzz with anticipation. Will established stars like Caruana and So make a last-minute comeback, or will new talent like Movahed continue to rise? As the excitement builds, all eyes will be on the final showdown on March 25.
The 2026 Chess.com Open is the largest online chess event in the world, featuring a total prize pool of $250,000 and offering three direct qualification spots to the Esports World Cup. As the tournament unfolds, it promises to deliver thrilling matches and unforgettable moments for chess enthusiasts around the globe.
For full standings and more details, visit the Chess.com Open Play-In 3 results page.