Virtual Euler characteristics via topological recursion

Abstract: We use Seiberg--Witten-like relations in the topological recursion framework to obtain virtual Euler characteristics for uni- and multicellular maps for ensembles of classic orthogonal polynomials and for ensembles related to nonorientable surfaces. We also discuss Harer--Zagier-type recursion relations for 1-point correlation function for the Legendre ensemble.