Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi qualifies for Esports World Cup, marking a historic milestone. The 21-year-old chess prodigy secured his spot in the prestigious event by advancing to the playoffs of the Chess.com Classic, the second leg of the Champions Chess Tour. This achievement makes him the first Indian to compete in the chess section of the Esports World Cup, set for July 8 to August 24, 2025, in Saudi Arabia. Joining esports organization Gen.G in February, Arjun blends traditional chess with the dynamic world of esports.
Arjun Erigaisi’s Path to Esports World Cup Qualification
Arjun clinched his ticket to Riyadh with a stellar performance in the Champions Chess Tour. He earned 40 points with a semi-final finish in the Chessable Masters in February, where Magnus Carlsen defeated him. Advancing to the Chess.com Classic playoffs further solidified his spot among the top 12 players on the CCT leaderboard. “I’m excited to participate in the Esports World Cup,” Arjun said. “It will open many doors.” His journey showcases strategic brilliance and determination, positioning him among global chess elites like Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Ian Nepomniachtchi, who also qualified.
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Indian Chess Talent Shines on Global Stage
Arjun wasn’t alone in representing India in the Champions Chess Tour. Grandmasters R Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi, Nihal Sarin, and M Pranesh also competed in the Chess.com Classic. Reigning world champion D Gukesh received a direct playoff invitation but fell to Slovenian GM Vladimir Fedoseev, who scored 7.5/9 in the Swiss round. Arjun defeated Gukesh in the loser’s bracket, only to lose to French GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave later. Meanwhile, Polish GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda also secured his Esports World Cup spot with 50 points from the tour’s first leg. India’s chess scene continues to thrive, with Arjun leading the charge. His affiliation with Gen.G, alongside Nihal and Aravindh Chithambaram’s ties to S8UL, highlights India’s growing influence in esports chess.
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