world chess cup

Aravindh Chithambaram recently became the first Indian to qualify for the 2026 Esports Chess World Cup after winning at DreamHack Atlanta. Raised by his mother and grandparents after losing his father at age three, Aravindh discovered chess through his grandfather. With strong family support and guidance from coach RB Ramesh, he steadily rose through the ranks to become a national champion and elite player.

Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram became the first Indian to qualify for the Chess event at Esports World Cup 2026 after winning the Road to EWC qualifier at DreamHack Atlanta. The 26-year-old defeated Alexey Sarana in a dramatic Armageddon decider to secure qualification, USD 15,000 prize money, and a place in the main event scheduled from August 11-15.

Ian Nepomniachtchi criticised reigning world champion D Gukesh for inconsistent performances, saying nearly every top GM currently has a strong chance against him. Nepomniachtchi also backed Javokhir Sindarov as favourite for their 2026 World Championship clash, citing his strong form and higher rating. Gukesh, meanwhile, has taken a break from classical chess to prepare for his title defence.

India's esports and chess talent will now have a direct path to the prestigious Esports World Cup 2026. The Esports Foundation and JioBLAST have launched 'India Rising: Road to EWC,' beginning with chess qualifiers. Top Indian players will vie for a spot in the main event in Riyadh, showcasing the nation's growing prowess in competitive gaming and chess.

As Norway Chess moves to Oslo for its 2026 edition, all eyes are on the Indian contingent. From World Champion D Gukesh seeking urgent form before his title defence to Koneru Humpy making a highly anticipated return to the board, we break down the biggest storylines dominating the 12-day double round-robin tournament.

Faustino Oro, a 12-year-old Argentine chess prodigy known as the “Messi of Chess,” has become the second-youngest Grandmaster in history. TimesofIndia.com follows his journey from learning chess during the COVID lockdown in Buenos Aires to moving to Barcelona and competing globally. Despite tougher FIDE rules, Oro’s talent, discipline, and love for the game helped him succeed.

S8UL signed 19-year-old Grandmaster Pranesh M for the Esports World Cup 2026, alongside Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram. Pranesh recently gained attention after helping R Vaishali stay calm during her historic FIDE Women’s Candidates triumph. Chess returns to EWC this August with a $1.5 million prize pool.

Despite additional ad breaks being woven into the game, no broadcaster in India or China has shown interest in shelling out the millions that Fifa wants.

Magnus Carlsen won the Chess.com Open, while Denis Lazavik beat Nihal Sarin, leaving no Indian qualified yet for the Esports World Cup 2026, as of yet. Extra qualification spots don’t pass down, increasing pressure on Sarin. He remains India’s one of the besthopes, with chances through circuit rankings and qualifiers in the evolving esports chess format.

12-year-old Aarav Sarbalia is gaining recognition as a rising chess talent. Alongside his on-board progress, his structured social media content has attracted prominent followers, including Judit Polgar and D Gukesh's coach, Vishnu Prasanna. Supported by his family and guided by top coaching, Aarav is building momentum toward his long-term goal of achieving the Grandmaster (GM) title.

Tamil Nadu's chess prowess shines as R Vaishali eyes the Women's World Championship after her Candidates victory. Young A S Sharvaanica's U12 rapid title further highlights the state's growing talent. While these successes inspire, experts note the need for greater support and sponsorship to elevate women's chess participation and achieve global dominance.

Magnus Carlsen has declared Javokhir Sindarov the favourite to win the upcoming World Chess Championship against D Gukesh, citing Sindarov's well-rounded game. Sindarov's dominant Candidates Tournament performance, where he remained unbeaten, has impressed chess legends. Despite this, Gukesh's renowned mental resilience and ability to defend difficult positions remain significant factors in this historic, generational duel.

R Vaishali, the new World Championship Challenger, expressed her joy and ambition upon returning to Chennai. She aims to emulate Indian chess legends like Koneru Humpy and D Harika, emphasizing the importance of mental strength and support systems. Vaishali hopes her success inspires more girls to pursue chess professionally, highlighting recent triumphs by Indian women in the sport.

Indian chess sees a historic moment as R Vaishali secures a spot in the Women's World Championship match. She will challenge China's Ju Wenjun later this year. This achievement, alongside Praggnanandhaa's potential challenge in the men's section, marks twin Indian representation at the highest chess boards. Vaishali's victory as the lowest seed is a significant feat.

Youngest World Cup winner Javokhir Sindarov is on the cusp of Candidates glory, needing just a draw to secure the title after an effortless draw with Hikaru Nakamura. He maintains an unbeaten run and leads by two points, setting up a potential Generation Z clash with D Gukesh.

Indian chess prodigy Nihal Sarin brushed off an online opponent’s rude gesture earlier this year, focusing instead on his game. Since then, he has surged in form, reaching a career-high rating of 2723, winning the Menorca Masters, and beating world champion D Gukesh twice. He will now aim to qualify for the Esports World Cup 2026.

Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov is on the cusp of winning the FIDE Candidates 2026, poised to challenge World Champion D Gukesh. His rapid play and impressive unbeaten streak have captivated the chess world. Managed by Tom Guilbaud, Sindarov's career has transformed from obscurity to a top contender, aided by strategic social media promotion and newfound sponsorships.

Hikaru Nakamura said he has no interest in watching Netflix’s documentary on Magnus Carlsen vs Hans Niemann, citing lack of context and personal disinterest. While the film revisits their 2022 controversy, Niemann declares: “I’m gonna be a stone cold killer. I’m going to become the best player in the world.”

The Esports Nations Cup 2026 will feature 16 titles including Apex Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, VALORANT and PUBG MOBILE. More than 100,000 players from 100 nations, including India, will compete through qualifiers. The nation-based tournament, set for Riyadh from November 2 to 29, is backed by $45 million with equal prize money for players and coaches.

Netflix’s "Untold: Chess Mates" revisits the 2022 controversy between Magnus Carlsen and Hans Niemann, sparked by Carlsen’s withdrawal after a shock defeat and the subsequent cheating allegations. The film examines Niemann’s lawsuit, claims of reputational harm, and tensions involving Chess.com’s business ties. Despite polished storytelling, it offers no new evidence, leaving both players standing by their positions.

Uzbekistan's Javokhir Sindarov, the youngest Candidate, is on the verge of winning the Cyprus tournament with an impressive halfway score. He needs just four more wins to secure the title. Meanwhile, in the women's section, Ukraine's Anna Muzychuk leads the pack, undefeated and aiming for victory.

Vaishali Rameshbabu seized the lead in Cyprus with a stunning 31-move victory over Women's World Cup champion Divya Deshmukh, showcasing brilliant rook sacrifices. She now shares the top spot with China's Zhu Jiner. Meanwhile, Anish Giri upset Fabiano Caruana in the open section, narrowing the gap with leader Javokhir Sindarov.

Vaishali Rameshbabu secured a crucial victory at the Candidates chess tournament, capitalising on a significant error by former champion Tan Zhongyi. This win propels Vaishali to joint second place, just half a point behind leader Anna Muzychuk. Meanwhile, in the Open section, Anish Giri held leader Javokhir Sindarov to a draw, while Wei Yi achieved his first win.

R Praggnanandhaa drew his sixth-round Candidates match, while leader Javokhir Sindarov continued his winning streak, extending his lead. Fabiano Caruana also fell further behind. In the women's section, R Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh secured crucial wins for India. Meanwhile, Amin Tabatabaei halted Magnus Carlsen's winning run in a separate tournament.

"My performance in the last few events has been quite disappointing, not just for me, but for all of you who support me," wrote Gukesh on X.

R Praggnanandhaa suffered his first defeat at the Candidates after an uncharacteristic opening choice against Javokhir Sindarov. In the women's section, Divya Deshmukh secured a miraculous draw against Aleksandra Goryachkina following a late blunder. Fabiano Caruana and Sindarov lead the open section.