Hikaru Nakamura finished third at the 2026 Esports World Cup after Alireza Firouzja forfeited their match following technical issues and multiple disconnections. Initially blaming chess.com, Nakamura later learned the problems were caused by the EWC. He apologised for his comments, admitted he jumped to conclusions, and earned $145,000 plus valuable Club Championship points for Falcons Esports.
