Grandmaster Nihal Sarin has emerged as the sole Indian player to qualify for the main event of the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, through the Last Chance Qualifier. Despite a strong showing from other Indian Grandmasters, including R. Praggnanandhaa, Sarin was the only one to secure a coveted spot in the final four from the qualifier.
The Esports World Cup 2025, which includes chess for the first time, is being held in Riyadh from July 8 to August 24. The chess event boasts a total prize fund of $1.5 million, with $250,000 earmarked for the winner. In addition to the individual prize pool, chess players also have the opportunity to contribute to their esports teams, who are competing for a share of a separate $27 million prize fund.
Twelve players had already qualified for the main event through the Champions Chess Tour. The Last Chance Qualifier, held from July 24-26, offered a final opportunity for players to secure their place in the competition. The qualifier featured a $50,000 prize fund of its own and was open to all players. The format consisted of four Swiss tournaments, followed by a 16-player playoff to determine the final four qualifiers. The games are played online on Chess.com but in person at Boulevard City, using a rapid time control of 10 minutes for all moves, with no increment.
Nihal Sarin, representing the Indian esports organization S8UL, demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the Last Chance Qualifier. In the final four, he faced GM Andrey Esipenko, ultimately defeating him 2.5-1.5 to secure his place in the main event. Sarin is known for his speed chess abilities, which were on full display as he navigated the fast-paced time controls of the online tournament. Before defeating Esipenko, Nihal beat GM Denis Lazavik and GM Anish Giri.
Levon Aronian (Team Reject), Anish Giri (Team Secret), and Javokhir Sindarov (Vitality) also qualified for the main event. Giri defeated Hans Niemann 2.5-0.5, Aronian defeated Esipenko in Armageddon after a 2-2 tie, and Sindarov won Armageddon against Niemann after their score was tied at 2.5-2.5.
Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, representing Team Liquid, was considered a strong contender in the Last Chance Qualifier. He topped Group C in the initial stage. However, he was ultimately knocked out of the tournament, missing the cut for the main event.
With Nihal Sarin's qualification, India will have at least one representative in the Esports World Cup chess event. Arjun Erigaisi had already secured a direct spot in the tournament based on his performance in the Champions Chess Tour and will be representing Gen.G Esports.
The main event of the Esports World Cup chess tournament is scheduled to begin on July 29 and conclude on August 1. The sixteen players will be divided into four groups of four, with the top players advancing to the knockout stages. The inclusion of chess in the Esports World Cup 2025 marks a significant step in the evolution of the game, blending traditional strategy with the dynamic world of esports. The event offers a substantial prize pool and provides a platform for both established chessGrandmasters and rising stars to compete on a global stage.
