Nihal Sarin qualifies for Esports World Cup 2025 through Last Chance Qualifier, joins Arjun Erigaisi in the main event | Chess News

Apart from Nihal, Anish Giri, Javokhir Sindarov and Levon Aronian also qualified for the EWC to complete the 16-player field for the main event. Nihal, representing Indian esports organisation S8UL, will now take on Sindarov in the final of the LCQ.

GM R. Praggnanandhaa came agonisingly close to qualifying for the EWC but Anish Giri handed him a tough loss in the Armageddon in their match-up.

Earlier, 12 players were finalised in the EWC roster for chess through the two-leg Champions Chess Tour 2025. Five-time world champion and world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, world No. 3 and popular Twitch and YouTube streamer Hikaru Nakamura and reigning co-world blitz champion Ian Nepomniachtchi qualified for EWC after finishing in the top three of CCT’s first event, the Chessable Masters, which was played in February.

Nine other players, including Arjun confirmed their spots through the second leg of CCT, the Chess.com Classic 2025.

What is the Esports World Cup?

The Esports World Cup brings together top esports clubs across 24 popular titles. EWC 2025 is happening in Riyadh from July 7 to August 24, featuring chess as an online event for the first time. The inaugural 2024 edition spanned eight weeks, while the 2025 event will be history’s largest multi-title esports tournament with 2,000+ players, 200+ teams, and a $70 million (≈₹602 crore) prize pool.

16 qualified players for EWC

• Magnus Carlsen (Norway)
• Hikaru Nakamura (USA)
• Ian Nepomniachtchi (Russia)
• Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (France)
• Jan Krzysztof Duda (Poland)
• Arjun Erigaisi (India)
• Vladislav Artemiev (Russia)
• Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzbekistan)
• Alireza Firouzja (France)
• Vladimir Fedoseev (Slovenia)
• Fabiano Caruana (USA)
• Wei Yi (China)
• Nihal Sarin (India)
• Javokhir Sindarov (Uzbekistan)
• Anish Giri (Netherlands)
• Levon Aronian (USA)

• In a thrilling finale to the Last Chance Qualifier, Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin has officially secured his spot at the Esports World Cup 2025, joining fellow countryman Arjun Erigaisi in the prestigious main event. With this victory, India now has two top-tier representatives in the chess division of one of the biggest multi-game esports competitions in the world.

  The tournament, set to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will host the world’s finest minds in the rapidly growing chess esports scene. Nihal’s qualification is not only a personal triumph but also a significant moment for Indian chess, as the country continues to solidify its presence in elite international competitions.

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  Nihal’s Road to Qualification

  The Last Chance Qualifier was anything but easy. Nihal faced a stacked lineup of rising stars and seasoned grandmasters from across the globe, each fighting for one of the final few slots in the Esports World Cup. Known for his bullet and blitz prowess, Nihal showcased his trademark calm and precision under time pressure, especially in high-stakes rapid tie-breaks.

  In the final round of the qualifier, Nihal edged past GM Vincent Keymer of Germany in a tense mini-match that went all the way to Armageddon. With seconds ticking down and pressure mounting, Nihal held his nerve to deliver a critical win with the black pieces — a moment that sealed his ticket to Riyadh.

  “It was incredibly tough, and every game felt like a final,” said Nihal after the qualifier. “I’m very happy to have made it through and to be part of such a huge event.”

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  Joining Arjun Erigaisi at the Main Event

  With Arjun Erigaisi having already qualified earlier this year through the Grandmasters Esports Series, Nihal’s qualification marks a double celebration for Indian chess fans. Both players are part of India’s next generation of elite grandmasters, regularly competing in top online and over-the-board events.

  Arjun, known for his dynamic style and sharp preparation, has been one of the standout performers on the international circuit over the past two years. His early qualification for the Esports World Cup 2025 came after a dominant performance in the GES rapid series, where he defeated multiple 2700+ rated players.

  Together, Nihal and Arjun represent India’s brightest hopes at the upcoming Esports World Cup. Their participation also highlights how the country’s chess talent is adapting seamlessly to the online format, where speed, precision, and psychological resilience are just as important as classical theory.

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  India’s Rising Influence in Chess Esports

  India’s presence in online chess has surged in recent years, thanks in part to the success of streamers, increased infrastructure, and the emergence of a strong junior generation. Events like the Online Olympiad, the Champions Chess Tour, and now the Esports World Cup, have provided new platforms for Indian talent to shine.

  With players like Nihal Sarin, Arjun Erigaisi, and even Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh D regularly competing on the biggest digital stages, India is fast becoming a powerhouse in chess esports.

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  What to Expect at the Esports World Cup 2025

  The chess segment of the Esports World Cup 2025 promises to be one of the highlights of the event. With a mix of rapid and blitz formats, as well as knockout and Swiss stages, the competition is expected to attract top stars like Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, Alireza Firouzja, and Fabiano Caruana.

  The prize pool is expected to be one of the largest ever in a chess esports event, and fans can look forward to live streams, commentary, fan interaction zones, and even team-based formats.

  With both Nihal and Arjun confirmed, Indian fans will have plenty to cheer for. Whether it’s Arjun’s aggressive attacks or Nihal’s endgame wizardry, the duo is sure to make a mark on the biggest digital chess stage in the world.

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  Final Thoughts

  Nihal Sarin’s qualification is a testament to his consistency, grit, and adaptability in an ever-evolving chess landscape. Alongside Arjun Erigaisi, he will carry the hopes of millions at the Esports World Cup 2025.

  As chess continues to evolve into a dynamic esports discipline, India’s young stars are not just participating — they’re leading the charge.