S8UL’s Nihal Sarin Qualifies for EWC 2025 Quarterfinals, Faces Magnus Carlsen Today
Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin, representing S8UL Esports, has stormed into the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 Chess quarterfinals after an impressive comeback in the group stage. The 21-year-old will now face World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in the quarterfinals today (Thursday, July 31) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Comeback After Early Setback
Nihal’s EWC campaign began on a tough note with a 0–2 loss against compatriot Arjun Erigaisi on Day 1 of Group B. However, he bounced back spectacularly on Day 2, defeating Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri with a 2–0 sweep in the lower bracket semifinal.
In the lower bracket final, Nihal faced French Grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. Despite being in a tough position in the opening game, Nihal forced a draw through precise defensive play and then dominated the second game to secure a 1.5–0.5 victory, sealing his playoff spot.
Clash with Magnus Carlsen
By qualifying, Nihal earned one of the biggest matchups of his career — a quarterfinal showdown against World No. 1 and five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen, which takes place today. The quarterfinals will be played in a four-game rapid format (10+0 time control). Winners will advance to the semifinals, which feature six games per match, with the Grand Final contested in a best-of-six sets format.
The chess event at EWC 2025 boasts a $1.5 million prize pool (approximately ₹12.9 crore), including $250,000 (₹2.1 crore) for the champion, making it one of the highest-stakes chess tournaments ever held.
S8UL’s Rising Global Impact
Nihal’s success adds to S8UL Esports’ strong performance at the EWC 2025. The organization has fielded athletes across multiple titles, including an Apex Legends team that reached the Grand Finals, EAFC player Jonas Wirth (Jonny) competing from August 7–10, and Tekken 8 stars Arja Gamoori (Sephiblack) and Nino Schwarz (Nino) in the Last Chance Qualifiers from August 7–9.
S8UL is the only Indian team chosen for the Esports World Cup Foundation’s prestigious Club Support Program, further solidifying its reputation on the world stage. Nihal’s deep run in chess highlights how traditional strategy-based games are thriving under the esports ecosystem, attracting new fans and competitive opportunities.
With momentum on his side, all eyes are now on Nihal Sarin as he faces Magnus Carlsen today for a place in the semifinals — a potential career-defining moment for the young Grandmaster and for India’s growing esports presence.