PogChamps 6: A Thrilling Return to Chess Entertainment
Group A Round-Robin Highlights and Standings
Round 1: The Favorites Prevail
Round 2: Sambucha Takes The Lead, Pizza Steals The Show
Round 3: Ebere Takes The Leader Down
Round 4: Two Tiebreaks, Two Leaders
Round 5: Top 3 Show No Mercy
Conclusion: A Day of Surprises and Solid Performances
PogChamps 6 Kicks Off with Thrilling Matches and Unexpected Twists
April 30, 2025 — The wait is finally over! After a year-long hiatus, PogChamps 6 has returned, captivating fans with its blend of humor and high-stakes chess. The much-anticipated event kicked off with the Group A round-robin stage, delivering a day filled with unforgettable moments and surprising blunders.
The three highest-rated players—Ebere, Inoxtag, and Sambucha—successfully advanced to the Championship Bracket, though their paths were anything but straightforward. Meanwhile, Mongraal, LydiaViolet, and Linzor found themselves at the bottom of the standings, facing a tougher road ahead in the Consolation Bracket.
Round 1: The Favorites Prevail
The opening round saw no major surprises, as Ebere and Inoxtag swiftly dispatched LydiaViolet and Linzor, respectively. Lydia’s loss was particularly unfortunate, stemming from a misclick that left her reeling. Linzor, despite her struggles, maintained her composure throughout the day.
The match between Sambucha and Mongraal was a roller-coaster affair, ending in a draw after a thrilling first game. However, Sambucha bounced back in the second game, decisively checkmating Mongraal and securing his spot in the standings.
Round 2: Sambucha Takes the Lead, Pizza Steals the Show
Round two proved challenging for Lydia and Linzor, with Lydia attempting a beautiful fork against Mongraal but ultimately falling short. Linzor faced Sambucha, who showcased his skill with clever tactics, ultimately winning both games.
In a delightful twist, Linzor’s pizza became a highlight of the event, captivating not only the players but also commentators, including WFM Alexandra Botez, who was eager to snag a slice.
Ebere and Inoxtag faced off in a tense match, with Ebere initially taking the lead before Inoxtag rallied to tie the match, setting the stage for an exciting tiebreak.
Round 3: Ebere Takes the Leader Down
The spotlight shone on the match between Sambucha and Ebere, where Sambucha drew first blood. Ebere, however, executed a stunning comeback, winning the second game and forcing a tiebreak. In a chaotic blitz game, Ebere managed to turn the tables on Sambucha, sealing the victory with a clever maneuver.
While Linzor struggled against Mongraal, she found solace in her pizza, making significant progress in her culinary adventure. Inoxtag easily defeated LydiaViolet, resulting in a three-way tie for first place among Ebere, Inoxtag, and Sambucha.
Round 4: Two Tiebreaks, Two Leaders
Round four was marked by unexpected upsets. Mongraal stunned Ebere with a win in their first game, but Ebere quickly retaliated, tying the match. Sambucha and Inoxtag also faced off in a tense battle, with both players trading victories.
In a heartwarming moment, LydiaViolet scored her first match win against Linzor, who had been struggling throughout the day. By the end of the round, Ebere and Sambucha emerged as leaders, with Inoxtag and Mongraal still in contention.
Round 5: Top 3 Show No Mercy
The final round of the day saw the top three players—Ebere, Sambucha, and Inoxtag—dominate their matches, each winning 2-0. Inoxtag showcased his preparation with the Jobava opening, while Ebere and Sambucha displayed their tactical prowess against their opponents.
With the results in, Ebere and Sambucha finished the day tied at nine points, closely followed by Inoxtag with eight. Despite their losses, Mongraal, LydiaViolet, and Linzor fought valiantly, embodying the spirit of PogChamps.
As LydiaViolet aptly put it, “We are all O.K. After all, this is PogChamps, and this is what we’re here for.”
What’s Next?
PogChamps 6 continues on April 30 with the round-robin stage of Group B, starting at 12 p.m. ET / 18:00 CEST / 9:30 p.m. IST. Fans can expect more thrilling matches and hilarious moments as the tournament unfolds. Stay tuned!