Ukraine will be represented at the Esports Nations Cup 2026 chess tournament by two players — Martyn Kravtsiv and Oleksandr Bortnyk. This highlights the high level of the Ukrainian chess school and its competitiveness on the international stage.
The Road Through Qualifiers
Martyn Kravtsiv made it to the main stage through regional qualification — and the path wasn’t easy. In the first qualifier, he lost to Azerbaijan’s Hagan Ahmad and finished seventh — not enough for direct advancement. He had to fight for his chance in the second Eastern European qualifier, where 31 athletes competed for a single slot.
In the final stage, Martyn first lost to Armenia’s Samvel Ter-Sahakyan, but regrouped and defeated Slovenia’s Jan Šubelj. His final 3rd-4th place finish secured his spot at the main event.
A Direct Invite for Bortnyk
Oleksandr Bortnyk skipped the qualification stage entirely — thanks to his high rating and level of play, he received a direct invitation to the tournament’s main stage. A former NAVI representative, Bortnyk has competed in numerous top-tier tournaments in the chess world.
About the Tournament
128 of the world’s best players will compete at the Esports Nations Cup 2026 main chess tournament. The competition will take place from November 11 to 18, with a prize pool of $600,000.
Two representatives from one country at a tournament of this scale is a rare and telling result. We wish Martyn and Oleksandr a strong performance at the main event!
