Indian Grandmaster Leads Group B at Esports World Cup
On July 29, 2025, Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the inaugural Chess event at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh by winning Group B. He defeated Nihal Sarin (2–0) and then beat Maxime Vachier‑Lagrave in Armageddon after a 1–1 rapid tie.
Group Stage Format & Highlights
The $1.5 million tournament featured 16 elite players divided into four double‑elimination groups. Each match comprised two rapid games (10+0 time control), with Armageddon tiebreaks deciding the 1–1 draws. Winners of each group’s upper bracket advanced directly to the quarterfinals; others battle through the Losers Bracket.®1
Arjun’s Path Through Group B
In Group B, Erigaisi started strong with a 2–0 victory over compatriot Nihal Sarin. He then faced French GM Maxime Vachier‑Lagrave—after splitting rapid games, he held White in the Armageddon win to clinch his quarterfinal berth. Nihal, Vachier‑Lagrave, and Anish Giri dropped to the Losers Bracket.2
Other Quarterfinalists from Day 1
The other three players who advanced directly by topping their groups are Levon Aronian (Group A), Alireza Firouzja (Group C), and Magnus Carlsen (Group D). They too won two consecutive matches to claim their quarterfinal spots.3
Key Tournament Format & Logistics
The Chess division debuted at this year’s Esports World Cup, part of the Champions Chess Tour collaboration with Chess.com. All matches were played live in Riyadh before an audience, with players wearing noise‑cancelling headphones. The event timeline: group stages on July 29–30, playoffs starting July 31.4
Arjun Erigaisi: Rising Indian Star
At just 21, Arjun Erigaisi is India’s top-rated player (≈2782 FIDE as of June 2025) and recently made history as the first Indian to cross a FIDE rating of 2800. His 2024 highlights include winning the Stepan Avagyan Memorial and helping India win gold at the Chess Olympiad with an individual 2968 performance rating.5
Prize & Tournament Stakes
Every participant is assured a minimum payout of $50,000. As Arjun progresses into later rounds, his potential winnings increase sharply in the $1.5 million prize pool structure.6
Timeline of Key Events
- December 18, 2024: Chess officially added to Esports World Cup lineup.
- July 29, 2025: Group stage Day 1—Erigaisi and three others win upper brackets.
- By July 30, 2025: Quarterfinalists confirmed; lower-bracket play begins.
Trivia & Quiz Highlights
Memorable trivia for chess fans: India’s Arjun Erigaisi—age 21, FIDE ≈2782—won Group B by defeating Nihal Sarin and Maxime Vachier‑Lagrave. Other winners include Carlsen, Aronian, Firouzja. Key format facts: 10‑minute rapid games, armageddon tiebreaks, $1.5 million prize pool, and minimum $50K per player.
Source: Sport Star The Hindu