Grandmaster Nihal Sarin, under the banner of S8UL Esports, has officially qualified for the Main Event of the Chess Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025. The young sensation, who is recognized for his composed temperament and lightning-fast calculation, grabbed his qualification through the grueling Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ), becoming a part of the select group of best international players who will travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
How He Qualified
Image by ChessBase India, Facebook
In earlier April 2025 chess grandmasters Nihal Sarin and fellow GM Aravindh Chithambaram were announced as the new chess signings of S8UL becoming the first ever Indian chess grandmasters to join an esports organization. This move enabled S8UL to become the first tryers in the merging of the classic chess with modern competitive game platforms.
Going into the Last Chance Qualifier
Whereas others received a direct invitation based on their performance at Chess.com’s Champions Chess Tour events in February and May, Nihal participated in the LCQ, which was the last chance for the players to qualify for the main event.
Fighting it out in Group B, he managed 5.5/7, being incredibly consistent and accurate. This put him in the top four of his group, earning him a playoff berth on July 26. From there, he went undefeated and earned himself the rightful spot in the EWC 2025 Main Event.
What It Means for Indian Chess and Esports
Image by ChessBase India, Facebook
The integration of chess into the Esports World Cup is a landmark move. With a 10+0 rapid time control and a prize pool of $1.5 million, the competition puts forward chess in contemporary perspective entwining brains with competitive sport. Nihal’s qualification representing S8UL is a testament to increasing synergy among esports and chess communities.
This is put India on the international esports map. S8UL, which is already a top content creator and gaming entity, has now added dominance in chess to its list. With Nihal qualifying and Aravindh also in the running, India has hopeful representative figures in an otherwise domain of top European and American players.
Nihal’s Ongoing Rise
Already at 20, Nihal Sarin has established a strong career in the international chess circuit. Last year, he emerged winner of the President’s Cup 2024 and went undefeated in the Tashkent Open 2025. With a rating just below the 2700 level, he is closing in on the world’s top players. This current EWC qualification adds to his existing stage where esports exposure can take his career to the next level.
Next Up: The Main Event
Image by EWC
This is The Main Event Riyadh which will be happening on July 29 – August 1, 2025. It scoops the best players through tour qualifiers and the LCQ. Matches will be fast, hard, and broadcasted world over.
S8UL has already come on record with a whole-hearted endorsement, and Nihal himself spoke fondly of this “first blend of chess and esports” in a recent interview. His participation in the tournament could be a source of inspiration for young Indian players to see chess not only as a game, but as a part of the broader gaming culture.
