S8UL has become the first esports organisation in India to enter the competitive chess scene by signing grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram for the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025. The event, featuring a $1.5 million (approximately INR 12.9 crore) prize pool, will mark the debut of chess as an esports discipline, with S8UL leading India’s representation.
Aravindh Chithambaram joins S8UL’s chess roster
Hailing from Thirunagar in Madurai, 25-year-old Aravindh Chithambaram began his chess journey at seven under his grandfather’s guidance. His rapid rise saw him clinch the Indian Under 19 Championship at just 12. In 2013, he won the Chennai Grandmaster International Open, earning his International Master title in 2014 and Grandmaster status in 2015.
Chithambaram dominated the National Premier Chess Championship in 2018 and 2019, making history by becoming the first Indian to win the Indian Open in classical, rapid, and blitz formats. His recent victory at the 2025 Prague Chess Festival Masters further cements his reputation. Currently ranked 4th in India and 11th globally with a FIDE rating of 2749, he is a formidable contender.
"This moment is special for Indian chess ," Chithambaram said. "S8UL’s investment in chess players highlights the game’s evolution as both a competitive and spectator sport. Representing India on this global stage is an honour."
Nihal Sarin brings prodigious talent to S8UL
20-year-old Nihal Sarin from Thrissur, Kerala, is one of chess’s brightest young stars. Starting at six, he gained fame by winning the World Youth Chess Championship in the Under 10 category. His consistent performances include a runner-up finish in the 2022 Chess.com Global Championship.
Sarin recently claimed the President’s Cup 2024 and dominated the Tashkent Open with an unbeaten 8/10 score. Ranked 8th in India and 40th globally with a FIDE rating of 2687, his inclusion strengthens S8UL’s lineup.
"Chess entering the esports world is exciting," Sarin said. "Representing S8UL and India on this stage is an honour. I hope to inspire more young players to take up the game."
S8UL expands its competitive footprint
As the only Indian organisation in the Esports World Cup Foundation’s Club Partner Program and a three-time ‘Content Group of the Year’ winner at the Esports Awards, S8UL continues to push boundaries. The signing of Sarin and Chithambaram reinforces its commitment to diverse esports genres.
Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL, stated, "Nihal and Aravindh represent excellence, whether in aim or intellect. This is a historic moment for S8UL and Indian chess."
Chess format and S8UL’s participation in other titles
Chess at EWC 2025 will follow a rapid 10+0 time control, with players qualifying through the Champions Chess Tour’s February and May events. A Last Chance Qualifier in Riyadh will decide the final four competitors. Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen will serve as the Global Ambassador.
Also read: S8UL makes history by becoming the first Indian organization to enter Apex Legends Esports World Cup 2025 with an Australian roster
Beyond chess, S8UL will compete in Apex Legends, EAFC 25, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Tekken 8. Their Apex Legends roster, featuring Sharky, Jesko, Legacy, and coach Rogers, has already been announced, with more team reveals expected soon.
Aravindh Chithambaram joins S8UL’s chess roster
Hailing from Thirunagar in Madurai, 25-year-old Aravindh Chithambaram began his chess journey at seven under his grandfather’s guidance. His rapid rise saw him clinch the Indian Under 19 Championship at just 12. In 2013, he won the Chennai Grandmaster International Open, earning his International Master title in 2014 and Grandmaster status in 2015.
Chithambaram dominated the National Premier Chess Championship in 2018 and 2019, making history by becoming the first Indian to win the Indian Open in classical, rapid, and blitz formats. His recent victory at the 2025 Prague Chess Festival Masters further cements his reputation. Currently ranked 4th in India and 11th globally with a FIDE rating of 2749, he is a formidable contender.
"This moment is special for Indian chess ," Chithambaram said. "S8UL’s investment in chess players highlights the game’s evolution as both a competitive and spectator sport. Representing India on this global stage is an honour."
Nihal Sarin brings prodigious talent to S8UL
20-year-old Nihal Sarin from Thrissur, Kerala, is one of chess’s brightest young stars. Starting at six, he gained fame by winning the World Youth Chess Championship in the Under 10 category. His consistent performances include a runner-up finish in the 2022 Chess.com Global Championship.
Sarin recently claimed the President’s Cup 2024 and dominated the Tashkent Open with an unbeaten 8/10 score. Ranked 8th in India and 40th globally with a FIDE rating of 2687, his inclusion strengthens S8UL’s lineup.
"Chess entering the esports world is exciting," Sarin said. "Representing S8UL and India on this stage is an honour. I hope to inspire more young players to take up the game."
S8UL expands its competitive footprint
As the only Indian organisation in the Esports World Cup Foundation’s Club Partner Program and a three-time ‘Content Group of the Year’ winner at the Esports Awards, S8UL continues to push boundaries. The signing of Sarin and Chithambaram reinforces its commitment to diverse esports genres.
Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL, stated, "Nihal and Aravindh represent excellence, whether in aim or intellect. This is a historic moment for S8UL and Indian chess."
Chess format and S8UL’s participation in other titles
Chess at EWC 2025 will follow a rapid 10+0 time control, with players qualifying through the Champions Chess Tour’s February and May events. A Last Chance Qualifier in Riyadh will decide the final four competitors. Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen will serve as the Global Ambassador.
Also read: S8UL makes history by becoming the first Indian organization to enter Apex Legends Esports World Cup 2025 with an Australian roster
Beyond chess, S8UL will compete in Apex Legends, EAFC 25, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Tekken 8. Their Apex Legends roster, featuring Sharky, Jesko, Legacy, and coach Rogers, has already been announced, with more team reveals expected soon.
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