Qualified players join grandmasters to compete in two phases, Swiss and Match Play. The winner of the Swiss goes straight to the Playoffs. Players ranked second through 15th go to Match Play, with the winners reaching the Playoffs.

Open to all grandmasters and the top three players from the Qualifier
Time control: 10+0
Players compete in a nine-round Swiss
The top player from the Swiss goes straight to the Playoffs and selects their bracket position
Players ranked second through 15th advance to Match Play
Players ranked second through eighth choose their opponents
The 14 players who compete in the Match Play phase contest a two-game match
The winner of each Match Play match moves on to the Playoffs

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