S8UL Signs Rising Chess Star Pranesh M Ahead of Esports World Cup 2026
New Delhi: S8UL Signs Rising Chess Star Pranesh M Ahead of Esports World Cup 2026
In a significant boost for Indian chess, S8UL has officially signed 19-year-old Grandmaster Pranesh M, adding another promising talent to its expanding roster as the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 approaches. Pranesh joins fellow Indian Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram, as the organization gears up for the highly anticipated global event scheduled from August 11 to 15, featuring a staggering prize pool of $1.5 million (approximately Rs 14 crore).
Chess will make its return to the Esports World Cup after a successful debut last year, and qualification spots are still up for grabs through various events, including the Champions Chess Tour standings and DreamHack Atlanta. Currently, Nihal Sarin holds the seventh position in the tour standings, while Pranesh is ranked 15th, making them the top two Indian contenders in the race for qualification.
Pranesh’s signing comes on the heels of his recent success, where he played a pivotal role in R Vaishali’s historic victory at the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026. Vaishali made headlines as the first Indian woman to win the prestigious event, securing her place in the Women’s World Chess Championship against reigning champion Ju Wenjun.
In an exclusive interview with ChessBase India, Vaishali credited Pranesh for his support during the tournament, noting that he helped her maintain composure during tense moments. “It was basically Ramesh sir and Aarthie aunty’s idea to take Pranesh to Candidates because he is a very nice and funny person to be around,” she said. “Even after tough games, he would just say ‘It was ok akka,’ and that really helped me stay calm.”
Pranesh not only provided emotional support but also contributed to preparation, fostering a positive atmosphere away from the board. He earned his first GM norm in 2020 and became India’s 79th Grandmaster after clinching victory at the Rilton Cup in 2023.
As the chess community eagerly anticipates the EWC 2026, Pranesh’s addition to S8UL signifies a bright future for Indian chess on the global stage. With his talent and experience, he is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming tournament, alongside his fellow Grandmasters.
Stay tuned for more updates as the countdown to the Esports World Cup continues!