Introduction
The Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC Chess) has officially welcomed chess into the global esports arena with a rapid 10-minute time control format. Hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the tournament features a massive $1.5 million prize pool, bringing together 16 of the world’s top chess players. Among them, two Indian prodigies—Arjun Erigaisi and Nihal Sarin—have made history by qualifying for the finals, marking a significant milestone for Indian chess and esports.
Nihal Sarin’s Incredible Journey to the EWC Finals
Representing S8UL Esports, Nihal Sarin earned his place in the EWC Chess Finals through the fiercely competitive Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) held from July 24–26.
- He topped Group B with a flawless 3–0 record.
- Pulled off a thrilling checkmate against Indjic with only 2.2 seconds left on the clock.
- In the playoffs, Nihal defeated elite players like Denis Lazavik, Anish Giri, and Andrey Esipenko.
His undefeated run through both group and playoff stages made him one of the four players to qualify for the final event through LCQ. His qualification not only earned applause globally but also made him a beacon of hope for India’s rise in competitive esports chess.
Arjun Erigaisi: India’s Early Entry to the Finals
Arjun Erigaisi was the first Indian to qualify for the EWC Chess 2025 Finals through the Champions Chess Tour leaderboard. As a member of Gen.G Esports, Arjun has consistently showcased brilliance across classical and rapid formats. With a FIDE rating soaring past 2700, Arjun is currently among India’s brightest chess stars with a fast-growing international reputation.
Full List of EWC Chess 2025 Finalists
Here are the 16 players who will compete in the EWC Chess Finals from July 29 to August 1, 2025 in Riyadh:
Qualified via Champions Chess Tour:
- Magnus Carlsen
- Hikaru Nakamura
- Ian Nepomniachtchi
- Maxime Vachier-Lagrave
- Jan-Krzysztof Duda
- Arjun Erigaisi (India)
- Nodirbek Abdusattorov
- Vladislav Artemiev
- Alireza Firouzja
- Vladimir Fedoseev
- Fabiano Caruana
- Wei Yi
Qualified via LCQ Playoffs:
- Nihal Sarin (India)
- Levon Aronian
- Anish Giri
- Javokhir Sindarov
Indian Chess Organizations & Ecosystem
India’s growing impact on chess esports wouldn’t be possible without a robust support structure:
- The All India Chess Federation (AICF) continues to promote chess talent at all levels.
- S8UL Esports, a leading Indian esports organization, made headlines by signing Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram—bridging traditional chess with the esports world.
- Gen.G Esports, an international org, brought Arjun Erigaisi into its fold, further expanding India’s presence in global chess circuits.
- Startups like CircleChess are modernizing Indian chess through AI-driven training tools and online tournament hosting.
Why This is a Landmark Moment for Indian Esports
This is the first time Indian grandmasters are competing as signed esports athletes in a global championship. With formal representation under elite esports brands, this transition opens up new pathways for chess players—from sponsorships and content creation to wider fan engagement.
Both Nihal and Arjun not only represent Indian excellence in chess but are now symbols of a larger movement where esports meets intellect.
FAQs – Esports World Cup Chess 2025
1. What is EWC Chess 2025?
EWC Chess is the official chess segment of the Esports World Cup 2025, featuring rapid 10-minute games, elite players, and a $1.5 million prize pool.
2. How did Nihal Sarin qualify for the EWC Chess Finals?
Nihal topped his LCQ group and went undefeated in the playoffs, beating Lazavik, Giri, and Esipenko to qualify.
3. Which Indian players are in the finals?
India is represented by Arjun Erigaisi and Nihal Sarin.
4. What esports teams are the Indian players part of?
Arjun plays for Gen.G Esports and Nihal plays for S8UL Esports.
5. When is the main event happening?
The EWC Chess Finals will take place from July 29 to August 1, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
6. What is the tournament format?
16 players compete in 4 groups → top 2 from each group advance → single-elimination knockout stage with best-of-series matches.
7. What is the time control used?
Each game is 10 minutes per player, with no increment.
8. What’s the prize for the winner?
The champion wins $250,000, with a total prize pool of $1.5 million.
9. What makes this event significant for India?
It marks the first time Indian players are competing as esports athletes in chess, creating a bridge between traditional chess and modern gaming.
10. Who organizes EWC Chess?
The event is hosted by the Esports World Cup Foundation in collaboration with chess.com and the Champions Chess Tour.
Conclusion
With Nihal Sarin’s blazing run in the LCQ and Arjun Erigaisi’s consistent excellence, India is not just participating but thriving in the Esports World Cup Chess 2025. Backed by top organizations and a growing fanbase, this is a proud and pivotal moment in India’s journey across both esports and chess.
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