Loop equations and a proof of Zvonkine's $qr$-ELSV formula

Abstract

We prove the 2006 Zvonkine conjecture that expresses Hurwitz numbers with completed cycles in terms of intersection numbers with the Chiodo classes via the so-called $r$-ELSV formula, as well as its orbifold generalization, the $qr$-ELSV formula, proposed recently in [KLPS17].Comment: 22 pages. Version 4: improved exposition of the proo