In the end, Wesley So did it! Following his bitter defeat to Sam Sevian in the final round of the 2026 US Championship - which ended his 48-game unbeaten run at the event - he defeated Fabiano Caruana 1½–½ in the rapid playoff for the title. It was a thrilling encounter, not without mistakes, but full of interesting moments. | Photo: Lennart Ootes / Saint Louis Chess Club