In a landmark achievement for Indian chess and esports, Nihal Sarin has emerged as the only Indian to qualify for the chess event at the Esports World Cup 2025, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Representing the powerhouse organization S8UL, the 21-year-old grandmaster from Thrissur, Kerala, secured his spot through an extraordinary unbeaten run in the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ). His performance showcased not only his tactical brilliance but also his mental fortitude, cementing his status as one of the brightest stars in global chess and a trailblazer for India in the burgeoning world of esports.
SurveyNihal Sarin has been a household name in Indian chess since his early teens. Known for his aggressive playstyle, he became a grandmaster at the age of 14, one of the youngest ever to achieve the title. His prowess in online chess, particularly in blitz and rapid formats, has made him a formidable force on platforms like Chess.com and Lichess. Representing S8UL, a leading Indian esports organization, Nihal has seamlessly blended traditional chess mastery with the fast-paced demands of competitive online gaming, setting the stage for his historic qualification.
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The road to qualification
The path to the Esports World Cup 2025 was anything but easy. The Last Chance Qualifier, held in Riyadh, was a high-stakes double-elimination knockout tournament that brought together some of the world’s top grandmasters, all vying for just four coveted spots in the $1.5 million main chess event. Nihal dominated the winner’s bracket with a series of commanding performances. He opened with a stunning victory over GM Denis Lazavik, recovering from a seemingly lost position with a brilliant display of creative tactics. His most memorable triumph came against superstar GM Anish Giri, where Nihal executed a spectacular 23.Nxf7!! sacrifice that left chess enthusiasts and analysts in awe. In the decisive best-of-four match against GM Andrey Esipenko, Nihal held his nerve through tense endgames and lightning-paced blitz finishes, clinching a 2.5-1.5 victory to secure his place in the main event. His ability to thrive under pressure, particularly in rapid and blitz formats, underscored his readiness for the global stage.
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India’s chess contingent put up a valiant fight in the qualifiers, but Nihal’s achievement stood out as singular. R. Praggnanandhaa, another young Indian star, suffered a heartbreaking loss to Anish Giri in an Armageddon tiebreak, falling short of qualification. Arjun Erigaisi, meanwhile, had already secured his berth in the main event through the prestigious Champions Chess Tour, making Nihal the only Indian to navigate the treacherous LCQ route. His success not only highlights his individual brilliance but also underscores the depth of talent in Indian chess, with players like Nihal, Praggnanandhaa, and Erigaisi pushing the nation to the forefront of the global chess scene.
The bigger stage
The Esports World Cup, running from July 7 to August 24, 2025, is billed as the world’s largest multi-title esports spectacle, boasting a record-breaking $70 million prize pool across various gaming disciplines. This year marks the debut of chess as an online event, reflecting the growing intersection of traditional sports and digital competition. The main chess event features an elite field of 16 players, 12 qualified through the Champions Chess Tour and four, including Nihal, through the LCQ. Starting July 29, 2025, Nihal will face off against chess titans like Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Fabiano Caruana in a hybrid format that blends online and over-the-board play. The stakes are high, with millions in prize money and global recognition on the line, making Nihal’s qualification a defining moment in his career.
Nihal’s triumph has sparked widespread celebration across India’s chess and esports communities. Fans, fellow players, and esports enthusiasts have lauded his achievement as a testament to his extraordinary talent and relentless dedication. His success also highlights the rising prominence of Indian players in both traditional chess and the rapidly expanding esports landscape. As the sole Indian qualifier through the LCQ, Nihal carries the hopes of a nation eager to see him shine on the world stage. His journey from a chess prodigy to a global esports contender is an inspiration to aspiring players across India, proving that with skill, hard work, and determination, Indian talent can compete with the very best.
As the Esports World Cup 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on Nihal Sarin as he prepares to take on the world’s elite in Riyadh. His qualification is not just a personal milestone but a historic moment for Indian chess and esports, marking a new chapter in the nation’s sporting legacy. With his signature blend of tactical genius and unshakeable composure, Nihal is poised to make a lasting impact, carrying the tricolor with pride and aiming to etch his name in the annals of chess and esports history.
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Vyom Ramani
A journalist with a soft spot for tech, games, and things that go beep. While waiting for a delayed metro or rebooting his brain, you’ll find him solving Rubik’s Cubes, bingeing F1, or hunting for the next great snack. View Full Profile
