Chess, an ancient game of strategy and intellect, is currently navigating a fascinating period of evolution. One of the most striking developments is its formal integration into the competitive gaming landscape. A significant milestone in this journey will arrive in July 2025, when chess makes its debut at the eSports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Unsurprisingly, India, a powerhouse in modern chess, is right at the heart of this new frontier.
Among the prominent figures embracing this blend of traditional skill and digital speed is Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi. One of the nation`s highest-rated classical players, Erigaisi has been signed by Gen G eSports, joining a growing trend of esports organizations investing in top chess talent. The eSports World Cup chess tournament, scheduled from July 31 to August 3, 2025, is poised to feature the world`s elite players competing for a substantial $1.5 million prize pool. Only 16 players will ultimately qualify for this premier event.
Erigaisi isn`t the only top player entering the esports realm; 2024 World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin has also reportedly signed with AG Global. While the final participant list is yet to be confirmed, Erigaisi indicated that discussions with leading figures like Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura were influential in his decision to explore the eSports World Cup circuit. Qualification for the Riyadh event will primarily occur through the 2025 Champions Chess Tour, offering 12 spots, with a last-chance qualifier determining the remaining four.
New Boards, Unique Challenges
Several factors nudged Erigaisi towards this new challenge. A key element is the unique time control: ten minutes for the entire game with no increments. In traditional over-the-board play, Erigaisi admits this format can lead to chaotic scrambles as time dwindles. However, given that the eSports event will be played on a computer, this concern is mitigated. Success here won`t just depend on strategic acumen but also, somewhat amusingly for a classical game, speed with a mouse.
“I am decent with the mouse, but that is one thing I need to train at to become even faster,” Erigaisi noted, highlighting a rather modern training requirement for a chess player. Despite the 10-minute start time, he views this format as more of a “slow blitz” rather than rapid chess, perhaps a nod to the lack of increment forcing quicker calculations throughout the game.
He also saw the event as an opportunity to visit Saudi Arabia, a country he hadn`t been to before. Crucially, the four-day tournament demands a relatively short time commitment, a significant consideration in what is shaping up to be a critical year for his classical chess ambitions.
Eyes Firmly on the Candidates
Despite venturing into the digital arena, Erigaisi`s overarching goal for 2025 remains singular and clear: to qualify for the next Candidates tournament. This event is the gateway to challenging the reigning classical World Champion, Dommaraju Gukesh. Erigaisi narrowly missed qualification last year, a fact that undoubtedly fuels his resolve.
Seven qualification spots for the Candidates are still available, primarily through major FIDE events like the Grand Swiss (scheduled for later this year in September) and the FIDE World Cup, along with performance-based rating eligibility. Erigaisi`s year began somewhat challenging at the Tata Steel Chess Masters, impacting his rating which had previously soared into the 2800s. However, he is no stranger to bouncing back and has proven his ability to defeat the world`s best players.
“Of course, it`s a very bad start to the year, but it`s a very important year in terms of qualification for the Candidates,” he stated, acknowledging the setback but reaffirming his focus. “I`m confident of qualifying if I play at my best… That is still a lot of time away, so first my focus is to play well and do well in whatever tournaments that I play in.” He added that maintaining a high rating offers a potential backup route to qualification, even if other paths prove challenging.
Balancing Innovation and Tradition
Arjun Erigaisi`s participation in the eSports World Cup underscores his adaptability and willingness to explore new avenues for chess. This engagement is undoubtedly positive for the sport`s visibility and its desire to expand its global reach by tapping into the massive esports audience. It represents a fascinating convergence of deep classical strategy with the fast-paced, digitally-driven world of competitive gaming.
Yet, through all these experiments and innovations, Erigaisi`s narrative remains grounded. The allure of the traditional classical World Championship title, the pinnacle of the sport, remains his ultimate prize. The eSports World Cup may be an exciting and potentially lucrative opportunity, but the path to the Candidates tournament is where his primary ambition lies, a testament to the enduring prestige of classical chess at its highest level.
Dominic Ashworth