Wesley So Resigns in a Dead Draw: A Shocking Turn in Round 2

In the second game of Round 2, Wesley So surprisingly resigned on move 72 — in what was actually a dead draw position.

At first glance, it might seem like White had an extra bishop and a winning advantage. However, the position was completely balanced. Black’s king could safely move between g5 and h4, forcing White’s king to shuffle between a few limited squares. If the White king ever drifted away from the g3 and h2 pawns, Black would easily convert by pushing the pawn with the help of the king.

The real question is — how did GM Wesley So miss this in such a critical moment? It’s the kind of oversight that can happen to any amateur, but when it happens to the world number eight, it’s truly shocking. Still, we’re all human — perhaps a brief moment of distraction or fatigue made it seem like the position was lost.

This happened during the early rounds of the 2025 FIDE World Cup, where every single game counts. Wesley So came into the event as one of the favorites, known for his calm and precise play. That’s why this resignation took everyone by surprise — it’s not something you’d expect from such a composed and experienced player.

Unfortunately, this mistake meant elimination from the tournament. A single wrong judgment in a drawn position ended his World Cup run in Round 2 — a heartbreaking exit for a player of his caliber.

Anish Giri shared his reaction on X, posting: “Insane position. Never seen anything like this.” He was clearly as shocked as the rest of the chess world. Moments like these remind us that even the best players can have very human moments over the board. One small lapse in focus can completely change the outcome — even in a position that should have been an easy draw.

More to explore:

1. FIDE Women's World Chess Championship 2025
2. World Cup 2025 Delivers Wild Round 2
3. Why the World Cup Feels Like the Most Democratic Event in Chess