Unique: Nihal Sarin to make Esports World Cup 2025 debut, says new format is the ‘way forward for chess’

Indian chess Grandmaster
Nihal Sarin is all set to compete within the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, the place he’ll characterize Crew S8UL. Talking completely to Firstpost, the 21-year-old shared his ideas on preparation, format, and the expertise of enjoying on this distinctive atmosphere.

Nihal earned his place on the World Cup after an outstanding run within the Final Probability Qualifier (LCQ). “In fact, it was a really robust subject. I used to be simply attempting to get pleasure from and never take any strain,” Nihal mentioned. “There was some strain, however I used to be actually having fun with all the pieces. Happily, I managed to point out a fairly good degree.”

The teen placed on a formidable show within the LCQ group stage, registering 5 wins and ending with 5.5 factors to safe a spot within the high 4 of Group B. Within the playoffs, he produced a exceptional comeback in opposition to Belarusian participant Denis Lazavik, and adopted that up with one other 1.5-0.5 win over Anish Giri.

Sarin on his preparation for Esports World Cup

He sealed his ticket to Riyadh by beating Andrey Esipenko 2.5-1.5 in an exhilarating winners’ bracket match. When requested about his preparation for the primary occasion, Nihal mentioned, “In regard to preparation, nothing particular. Simply attempting to calm down and reset and be nicely rested earlier than the brand new event.”

Nihal, who’s at the moment ranked eighth in India and thirty seventh on the earth with a FIDE score of 2692, will be part of 15 of the world’s high gamers on the Esports World Cup. The lineup contains Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, Fabiano Caruana, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Alireza Firouzja, and fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi.

Nihal additionally praised his group, S8UL, for the help and alternative to be a part of the occasion. “I’m very, very grateful to my group S8UL for giving me the chance to be a part of this implausible occasion. I’ve by no means actually seen something like this. They’re supporting in each manner doable. They’re caring for me extraordinarily nicely. I’ll bear in mind this expertise for a lifetime.”

Sarin on way forward for chess and the most effective format

Nihal backed the event format, calling it the way forward for the game. “I strongly really feel that this format, or the same format, is the way forward for chess,” he mentioned. “The standard, classical chess is the purest kind and of highest high quality — it’s like Check cricket. However this Esports format, with stay commentary, a quicker tempo, and even a online game component, is nice for viewership. That’s what sports activities have to develop.”

The Esports World Cup 2025 chess occasion can have a $1.5 million prize pool (over Rs 13 crore). Every participant will get 10 minutes for the entire recreation and there received’t be any additional time added after every transfer. If the match ends in a tie, it will likely be determined by one ultimate Armageddon recreation. The ultimate might be performed as a best-of-three units match.