Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi has carved his path into the quarterfinals of the prestigious Esports World Cup 2025 chess tournament, triumphing in a thrilling Armageddon match against France’s Maxime Vachier-Lagrave.
Competing in Group B, Erigaisi showcased remarkable skill from the outset. He began the day with a dominant 2-0 victory over compatriot Nihal Sarin. Vachier-Lagrave followed with a win over Anish Giri, setting the stage for a fierce group-deciding clash.
In the ensuing duel, Erigaisi claimed the first game using black pieces. Vachier-Lagrave retaliated in the second to level the score, leading to a dramatic Armageddon tiebreak. With nerves of steel, Erigaisi wielded the white pieces to seal his spot among the last eight contenders.
Other group leaders progressing to the quarterfinals include Levon Aronian (Group A), Alireza Firouzja (Group C), and Magnus Carlsen (Group D). The remaining four quarterfinal slots will be determined through the Losers’ Bracket playoffs.
Set against a backdrop of intense 10-minute games and no increment, the tournament features a unique two-game match format, culminating in Armageddon playoffs when required. With a massive prize pool of USD 1.5 million, stakes remain high as the competition heats up.
As India continues to make waves in the global chess arena, Arjun Erigaisi’s tenacity and tactical brilliance stand as a proud testament to the nation’s rising dominance in esports-driven chess formats.
