S8UL Secures Third Title Qualification at EWC 2026 with Aravindh Chithambaram’s Historic Chess Victory
S8UL Secures Third Title Qualification for EWC 2026 with Aravindh Chithambaram’s Historic Chess Victory
Atlanta, GA – In a remarkable achievement for Indian esports, S8UL has officially qualified for its third title at the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026. This milestone follows the successful qualifications in Fortnite and Honor of Kings, with Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram emerging victorious in the Road to EWC qualifier held at DreamHack Atlanta. Chithambaram’s triumph marks him as the first Indian player to secure a spot in the Chess main event at this prestigious tournament.
The qualifiers featured a rigorous format, beginning with a group stage followed by playoffs. Players faced off in two-game series, with Armageddon serving as the tiebreaker, all played under a strict 10-minute time limit with no increments.
Aravindh’s Path to Glory
Chithambaram showcased his exceptional skills throughout the tournament, advancing to the Upper Bracket semifinals from Group B after defeating notable opponents including Kyler Raines and Oleksander Bortnyk. In a nail-biting semifinal rematch against Christopher Woo, Aravindh clinched victory 2-1, winning the decisive Armageddon game.
He continued his winning streak with another 2-1 victory over Alexey Sarana in the Upper Bracket Final, setting the stage for a grand final showdown against Sarana. The final was played in a double-match format, where Sarana initially took the lead by winning the first two games. However, Chithambaram displayed remarkable composure, ultimately winning the Armageddon decider and securing his qualification.
Prize Money and Future Prospects
With this victory, the 26-year-old Grandmaster not only earned USD 15,000 (approximately INR 14 lakh) but also secured a coveted spot among the eight players qualified for the EWC 2026 Chess main event, scheduled for August 11 to 15, boasting a total prize pool of USD 1.5 million (around INR 14 crore).
Reflecting on his achievement, Chithambaram expressed his pride: “Qualifying for the Esports World Cup is a very proud and exciting moment for me. This format leaves little room for error, and I am grateful to S8UL for their unwavering support.”
A Growing Indian Presence in Esports
Chithambaram’s qualification is not just a personal victory but also a significant milestone for Indian esports. Fellow S8UL Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Pranesh M are also in contention for the EWC 2026 Chess event, with nine players qualifying through the Champions Chess Tour Leaderboard. The competition remains fierce, with additional slots available through Last Chance Qualifiers and the India Rising event.
S8UL has been making waves in the esports scene, having been selected for the Esports Foundation’s Club Partner Program for the second consecutive year. The organization is competing across qualifiers for 13 titles, emphasizing Indian representation alongside international talent.
As the EWC 2026 approaches, S8UL aims to continue its impressive trajectory, waving the Indian flag high on the global stage while pushing for further qualifications in additional titles.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Gaming on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Download the Khel Now Android App or iOS App to join the community.