Titled Tuesday Recap: Denis Lazavik Claims Victory in $10,000 Prize Tournament
Highlights from the June 2 Esports Event
Exciting Showdown at Titled Tuesday: GM Denis Lazavik Claims Victory in New $10,000 Prize Era
June 2, 2026 – The chess world buzzed with excitement as Titled Tuesday returned with a revamped prize fund of $10,000, drawing over 500 players for the first time since July 2025. The stakes were high, with a first-place prize of $2,500 and a growing jackpot for a perfect score, enticing competitors to bring their A-game.
Grandmaster Denis Lazavik emerged victorious, clinching the top prize with an impressive score of 10 out of 11. This win marked Lazavik’s 12th career victory in Titled Tuesday, and his first of 2026. The competition was fierce, with seven players finishing with 9/11, necessitating tiebreaks to determine the runner-up positions. GM Alexey Sarana ultimately secured second place after a thrilling final-round victory over GM Arjun Erigaisi.
A Competitive Landscape
The tournament kicked off with 15 players starting strong at 4/4, showcasing their skills and determination. Among them was Erigaisi, who made headlines with a swift knockout of FM Casper Liu in the second round. By the end of the sixth round, only three players remained undefeated: Lazavik, Erigaisi, and GM Fabiano Caruana, who displayed his tactical prowess in a dramatic match against GM Vidit Gujrathi.
As the rounds progressed, Lazavik and Erigaisi found themselves in a neck-and-neck race, each vying for the top spot. Lazavik’s decisive win over Sarana in the seventh round propelled him to 8/8, while Erigaisi continued to impress with his strategic play.
The Final Rounds
The tension escalated as the tournament approached its conclusion. Lazavik faced a challenging draw against GM Haik Martirosyan, but maintained his lead with a score of 8.5/9. In the penultimate round, he drew again with Caruana, while Martirosyan and Erigaisi battled fiercely, with Erigaisi ultimately settling for a draw after a missed opportunity for a checkmate.
In the final round, Lazavik delivered a stunning performance against GM Vladimir Fedoseev, securing his victory and the $2,500 prize. Sarana’s comeback win against Erigaisi not only eliminated Lazavik’s last competitor but also earned him $1,500 for second place.
Prize Distribution and Highlights
The revamped prize structure rewarded players across various categories, including top performances from women, youth, and non-GM players. Notable prizes included:
- 1st Place: GM Denis Lazavik – $2,500
- 2nd Place: GM Alexey Sarana – $1,500
- 3rd Place: GM Haik Martirosyan – $1,000
- Top Woman: GM Kateryna Lagno – $250
- Top Youth (U16): IM Faustino Oro – $250
With the perfect score bounty set to grow by $250 each week without a perfect score, players are eager to return for the next installment of Titled Tuesday.
As the chess community reflects on this thrilling tournament, all eyes will be on the next round of Titled Tuesday, where the competition promises to be even fiercer. The excitement of the game continues to captivate players and fans alike, solidifying chess’s place in the world of esports.
For full standings and prize details, visit Chess.com.