In a strategic move just days before the Esports World Cup 2025 kicks off in Riyadh, Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa has officially joined the Dutch-based esports powerhouse Team Liquid.
He will now compete alongside reigning World No.1 Magnus Carlsen and four-time U.S. Champion Fabiano Caruana in the tournament’s inaugural online chess event.
The announcement came hot on the heels of Praggnanandhaa’s recent triumph at the 2nd UzChess Cup, a victory that further solidified his position as one of India’s brightest chess talents. With this selection, he becomes the third Indian in contention for the finals, alongside Arjun Erigaisi (Generation Gaming), who has already secured his spot. Meanwhile, Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram aim to qualify through the Last Chance rounds, representing S8UL.
“Before chess conquered the world, it was born in India. For centuries, India has shaped the game. Now, it shapes the future,” Team Liquid shared in a statement on social media while welcoming the 18-year-old prodigy.
This isn’t the first time Praggnanandhaa and Carlsen have joined forces. The two previously teamed up in consecutive seasons of the Global Chess League in 2023 and 2024, demonstrating seamless synergy on the board. Their reunion under Team Liquid promises fireworks as they prepare to lock horns with elite players like Hikaru Nakamura, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Alireza Firouzja, and more.
As chess makes its much-anticipated debut in the Esports World Cup, all eyes will be on Team Liquid’s star-studded roster. With legacy, talent, and strategy converging, fans can expect a tournament that redefines the future of digital chess.
