Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin is all set to face chess legend Magnus Carlsen in the Esports World Cup 2025 quarter-finals.
Nihal Sarin has done something truly remarkable—he has qualified for the EWC 2025 Chess Event quarter-finals and will now battle none other than former World Champion Magnus Carlsen on July 31, 2025.
Representing S8UL Esports, one of India’s leading esports organisations, the 21-year-old grandmaster has steadily risen through the ranks after a tough start, showing great resilience and skill to secure his place among the world’s best.
The Road to the EWC 2025 Chess Quarter-Finals
Nihal’s journey in the Esports World Cup 2025 has been intense. Although he stumbled early with a loss against fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi in the group stage, Nihal bounced back impressively in the lower bracket.
His matches against top grandmasters Anish Giri and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave were especially memorable. Against Giri, Nihal displayed sharp tactical awareness, winning the match 2-0 in rapid time format. Against Vachier-Lagrave, Nihal fought hard to secure a draw in the first game and followed it up with a decisive win to clinch his playoff spot.
Now, as he faces Magnus Carlsen, the stakes could not be higher. A loss here would mean elimination from the tournament, so Nihal will need to bring his best game.
Nihal is Facing a Chess Legend, Magnus Carlsen
Magnus Carlsen is widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players in history. At the EWC 2025, he has been in exceptional form, topping his group and defeating formidable opponents without dropping a single match.
While Carlsen has historically held an edge over Nihal in their head-to-head games, Nihal has proven before that he can beat the Norwegian chess star. Their last notable encounter in the 2021 Julius Baer Challengers Chess Tour saw Nihal’s brilliant play shock many.
The quarter-final match will be played in a fast-paced 10+0 rapid format, meaning both players must think quickly and accurately under pressure. This format often leads to aggressive, thrilling games, where one mistake can change the outcome.
What’s at Stake?
The quarter-finals on July 31 mark a pivotal moment for Nihal Sarin in the EWC 2025 Chess Event. Not only is it his chance to advance closer to the $1.5 million prize pool, but also an opportunity to earn valuable Club Points for his team, S8UL.
For Indian esports fans, Nihal’s performance symbolises the growing presence and respect Indian players command on the global chess stage.
Chess fans eager to witness this epic showdown can tune into the official EWC YouTube channel, where the quarter-final match between Nihal Sarin and Magnus Carlsen will be streamed live.
There will be a slight delay, but viewers can expect high-quality commentary and intense gameplay from two of the sharpest minds in chess.