Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi: Ready for a Breakthrough Year in Chess and Esports

Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi is no stranger to coming close to securing a spot in the prestigious Candidates Tournament, only to fall short at the last hurdle. However, the 21-year-old chess prodigy believes that 2025 could be the year he finally breaks through and secures a coveted seat in the tournament.

In a recent interview with TOI, Arjun reflected on his near misses in the past and expressed his confidence in his abilities this year. Despite narrowly missing out on a spot at the World Rapid Chess Championship in New York last year, Arjun remains optimistic about his chances in the upcoming tournaments.

Arjun also discussed the pressure of being considered one of the favorites at the World event and how he views it as a source of confidence rather than pressure. He emphasized the importance of staying focused and playing solidly in order to achieve his goal of qualifying for the Candidates Tournament.

The young grandmaster also shared his thoughts on his recent performance at the Tata Steel Chess event, where he managed to defeat the world champion D Gukesh. While he acknowledged that he had room for improvement, Arjun remains determined to learn from his mistakes and continue to grow as a player.

In addition to his pursuit of a Candidates seat, Arjun is set to make history in the world of Esports as he represents leading global esports team GEN.G in the Esports World Cup. He expressed his excitement about chess’s inclusion in the Esports world and believes that it will help the sport reach a wider audience and grow in popularity.

As Arjun prepares to compete in the upcoming Norway elite meet alongside some of the world’s top players, including Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura, he remains focused on his ultimate goal of securing a spot in the Candidates Tournament. With his determination, skill, and newfound confidence, Arjun Erigaisi is poised to make a breakthrough in 2025 and solidify his place among the chess elite.