Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi has made history by becoming the first chess player from India to secure a spot at the Esports World Cup 2025, set to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 21-year-old’s qualification comes after he advanced to the playoffs of the Chess.com Classic, the second major event of the ongoing Champions Chess Tour (CCT).
Arjun’s participation is more than just a personal achievement—it marks a significant milestone for India’s growing influence in international esports. His entry into the EWC puts chess on the map for Indian fans following the country’s expanding footprint in the gaming world.
The Esports World Cup 2025, running from July 8 to August 24, will feature top athletes across 24 different games, and chess has become an exciting new inclusion in this multi-title competition.
Erigaisi had already banked 40 points on the CCT leaderboard earlier this year following a semi-final finish at the Chessable Masters—a tournament where he was eventually knocked out by none other than Magnus Carlsen. His advancement to the playoffs of the Chess.com Classic ensured he maintained his position in the top 12 of the overall standings, granting him direct qualification to the Esports World Cup.
In total, 16 players will participate in the chess section at EWC 2025—12 players qualify via CCT rankings, and the remaining 4 spots will be determined through a Last Chance Qualifier.
The Chess.com Classic saw Erigaisi continue his fine form. Despite a tough bracket that included some of the world’s strongest players, Arjun held his own. He defeated reigning world champion D Gukesh in the lower bracket, before eventually bowing out to Maxime Vachier-Lagrave.
Alongside Arjun, other top players like Polish GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda also secured qualification after consistent performances across the Tour. World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, as well as Hikaru Nakamura and Ian Nepomniachtchi, had already locked in their slots even before the second leg of the tour began.
Earlier this year, Arjun made headlines when he became one of the first chess players globally to sign with a major esports organization—Gen.G. His association with the South Korea-based org was a defining moment in bridging the gap between traditional chess and the esports ecosystem.
In an exclusive statement, Arjun shared his excitement, saying:
“It will open many doors.”
Following his lead, fellow Indian Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram later joined Indian esports powerhouse S8UL, further blending the boundaries between classical mind sports and digital competitive platforms.
The Champions Chess Tour has seen widespread participation from India. Aside from Arjun and Gukesh, players like R Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi, Nihal Sarin, and M Pranesh also competed in the second leg of the tour, showcasing India’s deep bench of young talent.
With chess making its mark in the Esports World Cup, and Indian players stepping up to the challenge, the coming months will be crucial. Arjun’s qualification not only brings pride to Indian esports fans but also opens a new chapter for chess as part of the broader global esports narrative.
As the spotlight intensifies ahead of July, all eyes will be on Arjun Erigaisi—India’s flagbearer in a unique confluence of strategy, speed, and digital spectacle.
Admin