Nihal Sarin Punches His Ticket to EWC 2025
Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin, competing under S8UL, has claimed a coveted spot at the Esports World Cup 2025 after battling through the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) in Riyadh. In a tense face-off, he edged past GM Andrey Esipenko with a 2.5–1.5 scoreline, locking in his position among the final 16 competitors.
Final LCQ Lineup
Joining Nihal from the LCQ are three other top-tier grandmasters:
- Anish Giri
- Javokhir Sindarov
- Levon Aronian
These four complete the LCQ representation for chess’s debut at the EWC.
In India’s Dynamic Duo Is Set
Nihal now becomes the second Indian to qualify, following Arjun Erigaisi, who had secured his entry earlier via the Champions Chess Tour by placing 4th in a 118-player Swiss and delivering a strong performance in the Match Play stage. He will represent Gen.G, while Nihal flies the flag for S8UL.
Indian Chess Contingent – EWC 2025
| Player | Qualification Path | Esports Org |
| Arjun Erigaisi | Champions Chess Tour (Top 4 Finish) | Gen.G |
| Nihal Sarin | Last Chance Qualifier (Riyadh) | S8UL |
EWC 2025 Chess Debut – What’s at Stake?
- Chess goes online at the Esports World Cup 2025, with a dedicated $1.5 million prize pool.
- The final 16-player lineup includes:
- 12 qualifiers from the Champions Chess Tour
- 4 spots awarded via the Last Chance Qualifier
In a Nutshell
Nihal Sarin’s clutch victory at the Last Chance Qualifier has secured India two powerful contenders at the inaugural EWC chess event. Set in Riyadh from July 7 to August 24, 2025, this will be chess’s first-ever appearance at the Esports World Cup — and India is ready to make a statement.