Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram created history by becoming the first Indian chess player to qualify for the 2026 Esports World Cup chess event. The 26-year-old secured his place after winning the “Road to EWC” qualifier held during DreamHack Atlanta in the United States. His qualification marks another milestone in India’s rapidly growing presence in global chess and esports competitions.
Representing Indian esports organisation S8UL, Aravindh displayed remarkable composure in the rapid chess format, where players competed in two 10-minute games without increment. In case of tied scores, Armageddon tiebreakers were used to decide the winner. Aravindh advanced from Group B after defeating Kyler Raines, Justin Liang, Oleksander Bortnyk, and Christopher Woo. He later edged past Woo again in the upper bracket semifinal through an Armageddon game to seal qualification.
The Esports World Cup chess event will take place in Riyadh later this year and will feature some of the world’s leading players. Aravindh’s success further strengthens India’s growing influence in international chess. Fellow Indian grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Pranesh M are also still in contention to qualify for the tournament.
