S8UL Signs Indian Grandmasters Aravindh Chithambaram and Nihal Sarin for Chess Esports Scene
India’s S8UL Makes Major Move into Chess Esports with Signing of Grandmasters Aravindh Chithambaram and Nihal Sarin
In a groundbreaking move, India’s leading esports organization, S8UL, has ventured into the world of chess esports by signing two of the nation’s brightest stars, Grandmasters Aravindh Chithambaram and Nihal Sarin. The duo will now represent S8UL as they aim to qualify for the prestigious 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The signing of Aravindh and Nihal, who are ranked 11th and 36th in the world respectively, marks a significant milestone for S8UL as they make their mark in the competitive chess arena. The announcement comes hot on the heels of Team Spirit’s acquisition of GMs Daniil Dubov and Vladislav Artemiev, showcasing the growing interest in chess esports.
Hailing from Chennai, the same city that produced five-time world champion GM Viswanathan Anand, Aravindh is part of a talented generation of players nurtured by the city’s rich chess culture. Trained by star coach GM Ramesh R. B., Aravindh has been on a remarkable run, winning prestigious events like the 2024 Chennai Grandmasters and the 2025 Prague Chess Festival Masters.
On the other hand, Nihal, who achieved the grandmaster title at the age of 14, has been a standout talent in the chess world for a decade. With recent victories at the 3rd President Cup and the Tashkent Open, Nihal is steadily climbing the ranks and is now poised to make a mark on the global stage.
Both players expressed their excitement at representing India and S8UL in the Esports World Cup, highlighting the growing recognition of chess in the digital competitive space. S8UL’s Co-founder and CEO, Animesh Agarwal, emphasized the organization’s commitment to excellence in all genres of competitive gaming, stating that the addition of Aravindh and Nihal reflects their dedication to showcasing India’s talent on a global platform.
As Aravindh and Nihal gear up to qualify for the EWC through the Champions Chess Tour, the chess esports scene is set to witness a new era of competition. With the total number of grandmasters signed by esports organizations now reaching 19, the stage is set for an exciting showdown in Riyadh.