NEW DELHI: In a powerful gesture of institutional support, senior officials from the Embassy of India in Riyadh attended the Chess Finals of the EWC ( Esports World Cup ) 2025, standing in solidarity with Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who is representing India under the banner of S8UL Esports.
The formal invitation to the event was extended by Animesh Agarwal, CEO of S8UL Esports, and was warmly accepted by the Indian diplomatic delegation. The officials who graced the event included:
- Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission
- Sharique Badr, Counsellor (Political & Press)
- Nischal Lakhchaura, Attache (Political)
- Ramesh Jha, Attache (Commerce)
- Priyanshu Yadav, Assistant Section Officer (Commerce)
Their presence at the venue not only underscored India’s growing footprint in the global esports arena but also brought a sense of home and heartfelt encouragement to the entire S8UL contingent comprising players, coaches, and staff.
“Having our Indian Embassy officials attend the finals and support Nihal in person is truly historic for us,” said Animesh Agarwal, popularly known in the esports community as ‘Thug’. “It was a moment of pride and validation—not just for S8UL but for the Indian esports ecosystem as a whole.”
A Grandmaster’s Global Moment
Nihal Sarin, one of India’s youngest and most talented chess grandmasters, earned his place at the finals after a commanding performance at the Last Chance Qualifiers (LCQ) held earlier this month. Representing S8UL Esports, Nihal defeated international stars like Denis Lazavik and Anish Giri to make it to the top-16 of the inaugural chess event at the Esports World Cup.
This year marks the first time online chess has been featured at the EWC, with a prize pool of USD 1.5 million and a rapid tournament format conducted in partnership with Chess.com.
Sarin’s participation—and eventual advancement to the finals—puts India at the forefront of a global movement that blends traditional mental sports with the energy and infrastructure of competitive esports.
Esports World Cup: A New Era for Competitive Gaming
The Esports World Cup 2025, currently underway in Riyadh, is the largest-ever multi-title esports event, featuring 26 competitions across 25 game titles, and a total prize pool of over USD 70 million. Hosted under the patronage of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the event aims to establish Riyadh as the global hub of esports.
By securing a spot in this historic championship, S8UL became the first Indian esports organization to field professional chess players on the global stage. In addition to Nihal Sarin, the organization had earlier announced the signing of fellow Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram, signaling its commitment to diversifying its esports portfolio.
“This is not just about one tournament,” said Lokesh Jain, co-founder of S8UL. “This is about rewriting what esports means for India. From battleground titles to chessboards, our players are showcasing the depth of talent India holds.”
A Boost for Indian Esports
The enthusiastic presence of Indian embassy officials at a global esports event is seen as a landmark moment for the sector. It reflects the Indian government’s increasing engagement with youth-driven industries like gaming, digital entertainment, and competitive esports.
For Indian players competing thousands of miles away from home, this diplomatic backing offered an emotional boost and affirmed that their efforts on the international stage are being recognized not just by fans, but by the nation’s institutions.
“When we walked into the venue and saw the tricolour flying with Nihal, and then spotted the Embassy officials cheering from the sidelines—it was deeply moving,” said a member of the S8UL support staff. “We didn’t feel like just an esports org. We felt like we were part of Team India.”
As the finals conclude and results roll in, one thing is clear: Indian esports has arrived on the global stage with strength and dignity. With players like Nihal Sarin bridging the worlds of classical sports and modern esports, and with organizations like S8UL leading the charge, the future looks bright.
The gesture from the Indian Embassy in Riyadh may seem symbolic to some—but for a generation of digital athletes, it was a powerful reminder that the nation is watching, and the nation is proud.
