Indian chess prodigy Nihal Sarin has pulled off a stunning comeback at the Esports World Cup 2025, securing his spot in the quarterfinals where he’ll face none other than five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen. The 21-year-old S8UL Esports Grandmaster’s journey to the playoffs is nothing short of spectacular.
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Nihal Sarin’s Remarkable Comeback
After suffering a crushing 0-2 defeat to fellow Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi on Day 1, Nihal showed the mental fortitude that separates champions from contenders. His recovery was methodical and brilliant:
| Match | Opponent | Result | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arjun Erigaisi | 0-2 Loss | Group Stage |
| Day 2 | Anish Giri (Netherlands) | 2-0 Win | Lower Bracket Semi |
| Day 2 | Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (France) | 1.5-0.5 Win | Lower Bracket Final |
The defining moment came against French GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. Despite finding himself in a difficult position in the first game, Nihal’s positional awareness helped him salvage a crucial draw before sealing the match with a decisive second-game victory.
What’s Next: Carlsen Showdown
Thursday’s quarterfinal against Magnus Carlsen promises to be epic. The format features four rapid games in 10+0 time control, where every second counts. With $1.5 million in total prize money and $250,000 for the champion, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
“It feels great to make it to the playoffs, especially after such intense games against both Anish and Maxime,” Nihal shared. “I’m looking forward to carrying this momentum into the last eight.”
S8UL’s Multi-Title Dominance
Nihal’s qualification highlights S8UL Esports’ incredible run at EWC 2025. The Mumbai-based organization is competing across multiple titles:
- Apex Legends: Already reached Grand Finals
- EAFC: Jonas Wirth competing August 7-10
- Tekken 8: Arja Gamoori and Nino Schwarz in Last Chance Qualifiers
As India’s only organization in the EWC’s prestigious Club Support Program, S8UL continues proving that Indian esports belongs on the world stage. Their success across 13 different gaming titles showcases the depth of Indian gaming talent.
For more exciting chess tournament coverage and esports updates, stay tuned to our latest coverage.
FAQs
When does Nihal Sarin play Magnus Carlsen?
The quarterfinal match is scheduled for Thursday, July 31, 2025, in a four-game rapid format.
What’s the total prize pool for EWC 2025 Chess?
The tournament features a massive $1.5 million prize pool with $250,000 reserved for the champion.
