Indian chess prodigy Nihal Sarin has made history by becoming the only Indian to qualify for the Esports World Cup 2025 through the Last Chance Qualifiers. Representing S8UL Esports, the 21-year-old Grandmaster secured his spot among the world’s elite 16 players in a tournament featuring a massive $1.5 million prize pool.
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Tournament Performance Breakdown
| Stage | Result | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | 5.5/9 points | Top-4 finish in Group B |
| Round of 16 | Won 1.5-0.5 | Beat Denis Lazavik (Belarus) |
| Quarterfinals | Won 1.5-0.5 | Defeated Anish Giri (Netherlands) |
| Semifinals | Won 2.5-1.5 | Overcame Andrey Esipenko (Russia) |
| Prize Pool | $1.5 million | Approximately ₹12.9 crore |
| World Ranking | 37th globally | FIDE rating: 2692 |
What Makes This Achievement Special
Nihal Sarin’s qualification is particularly impressive given the caliber of opposition. He’ll now compete alongside chess legends like Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Fabiano Caruana at the main event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, starting July 29.
The tournament follows a rapid 10+0 time control format, demanding lightning-fast decision-making – a skill Nihal has mastered throughout his career. His stunning comeback victory against Denis Lazavik, where he delivered checkmate from a losing position, perfectly showcased his resilience under pressure.
S8UL’s Growing Global Influence
As India’s only organisation in the Esports World Cup Club Partner Program, S8UL is making waves across multiple gaming titles. Beyond chess, they’re competing in Apex Legends, EAFC, and Tekken 8, proving that Indian esports talent can compete at the highest international levels.
Nihal’s 2025 season has been phenomenal – he finished runner-up at the Asian Individual Chess Championship and won the Tashkent Open undefeated, cementing his status as one of India’s brightest chess talents.
What’s Next
The EWC chess event features four groups of four players each, with the top two advancing to single-elimination playoffs. The Grand Final will be a best-of-three sets format, promising intense tactical battles.
For more esports coverage and chess tournament updates, check out our competitive gaming section and Indian esports achievements.
FAQs
When does the Esports World Cup 2025 chess tournament begin?
The group stage kicks off on July 29, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
How much prize money is at stake in the chess event?
The tournament features a $1.5 million prize pool, approximately ₹12.9 crore.
