India’s chess prodigy Nihal Sarin has secured a remarkable spot in the upcoming Esports World Cup 2025, known as the EWC 2025 Chess Event, marking a proud moment for Indian esports and traditional chess alike.
Nihal Sarin, representing the renowned esports organisation S8UL, achieved this feat through an outstanding performance in the Last Chance Qualifiers (LCQ), which completed the 16-player roster for the EWC 2025 Chess Event starting on July 29 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
A Stunning Journey Through the Qualifiers
The road to qualifying was anything but easy. Nihal showed exceptional skill and composure during the LCQ group stage, where he won five games and scored 5.5 points, earning a top-four finish in his group. His journey continued with nail-biting knockout rounds.
Against Belarus’ Denis Lazavik, Nihal pulled off a stunning comeback, delivering checkmate from a seemingly lost position. He then defeated Dutch grandmaster Anish Giri with a brilliant 1.5-0.5 scoreline in the quarterfinals. Nihal secured his spot in the main event by defeating Russia’s Andrey Esipenko 2.5-1.5 in the winners’ bracket.
These victories highlighted his speed chess prowess and mental toughness, crucial for rapid online formats like the EWC 2025 Chess Event.
Who Is Nihal Sarin?
Hailing from Thrissur, Kerala, Nihal Sarin is one of India’s brightest chess talents. At just 21 years old, he holds a FIDE rating of 2692, ranking 8th in India and 37th in the world. Nihal became a grandmaster at age 14 and has been admired worldwide for his aggressive yet precise playing style. His rapid and blitz skills make him a formidable competitor, especially in high-pressure esports chess tournaments.
By qualifying for the EWC 2025 Chess Event, Nihal joins an elite field that includes legends like Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Fabiano Caruana, as well as fellow Indian grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi.
This tournament features a prize pool of $1.5 million (approximately ₹12.9 crore) and follows a rapid 10+0 time control format.
What to Expect at the EWC 2025 Chess Event
The tournament will begin with a group stage, featuring four groups of four players each. The top two from each group will move on to single-elimination playoffs, culminating in a best-of-three sets grand final. This hybrid online and over-the-board format promises exciting chess battles with immense stakes.
Nihal’s qualification through the intense LCQ route underscores his readiness to face the world’s chess elite in the EWC 2025 Chess Event. His ability to perform under pressure in rapid formats could be a game-changer.
The Bigger Picture: S8UL and Indian Esports
Nihal’s achievement adds to S8UL’s growing influence on the global esports stage. As the only Indian organisation selected for the prestigious Esports World Cup Foundation’s Club Partner Program, S8UL represents India not just in chess but in games like Apex Legends and EAFC as well.
The organisation supports a wide array of esports talent, including players competing in Tekken 8 and EAFC. Nihal’s success highlights the growing prominence of chess within the esports ecosystem and S8UL’s commitment to nurturing diverse competitive gaming talent.
All in all, as the EWC 2025 Chess Event unfolds, all eyes will be on Nihal Sarin. His battles against the likes of Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura will not only test his skills but also carry the hopes of millions of Indian fans who dream of seeing their country shine in the global esports arena.