Indian Grandmasters Set to Compete Against the Best at the Esports World Cup in Paris
Nihal Sarin, Aravindh Chithambaram, Pranesh M, and Arjun Erigaisi will face off against world number one Magnus Carlsen and other elite players from August 11 to 15.
Indian Grandmasters Set to Conquer Paris at Esports World Cup Chess Competition
Paris, August 10, 2026 — The chess world is abuzz as four Indian Grandmasters—Nihal Sarin, Aravindh Chithambaram, Pranesh M, and Arjun Erigaisi—gear up to compete in the highly anticipated chess competition of the Esports World Cup (EWC), taking place from August 11 to 15 in the City of Lights. This year’s event promises to be a thrilling showdown, featuring an elite lineup that includes reigning champion Magnus Carlsen.
Representing the esports and gaming content powerhouse S8UL Esports, Nihal, Aravindh, and Pranesh will be joined by Arjun, who will compete under the banner of Gen.G Esports. Together, they will vie for a share of the impressive USD 1.5 million (approximately Rs 14.2 crore) prize pool, facing off against formidable opponents such as Hikaru Nakamura, Alireza Firouzja, and Nodirbek Abdusattorov.
This year marks a significant milestone for Indian chess at the EWC, with the number of Indian participants doubling compared to last year. In 2025, only Nihal and Arjun represented India, with Nihal reaching the quarterfinals and Arjun finishing fourth. Now, with a larger contingent, the stakes are higher than ever.
Nihal, Pranesh, and Arjun secured their spots in the Group Stage through stellar performances in the Champions Chess Tour (CCT) 2025-2026, while Aravindh earned his place through DreamHack Atlanta earlier this year, beginning his journey in the Play-In stage.
The EWC chess competition has introduced a revised two-phase format this year. The first phase, a new addition, features a Play-In stage where nine players, including Aravindh, will compete in a double-elimination bracket. The top performers will advance to the Group Stage, joining those who qualified directly through the CCT and other events.
The 16-player Group Stage will be divided into two groups of eight, with each group following a double-elimination format. The top four players from each group will then move on to the Playoffs, culminating in a Grand Final that will determine this year’s champion.
As the countdown to the tournament begins, the excitement is palpable. Fans and chess enthusiasts alike are eager to see if the Indian Grandmasters can rise to the occasion and make history in Paris. With the chess world watching closely, all eyes will be on these talented players as they aim to secure their place among the best in the game.
Stay tuned for updates as the tournament unfolds, and witness the clash of titans in the world of chess!