When we think about chess, we usually picture a large stadium with boards atop tables where two players sit opposite one another to engage in a battle of strategy and grit. But with the advent of technology, even this classic game has gone through a revolution. Chess is now also played via computers cast on a big screen, like any other Esports. So, it is only fitting that the best chess players in the world also try their hand at being the best Chess Esports players too.
Riyadh-based Esports Foundation (EF) today confirmed that Chess is back on the board as a mainstay at Esports World Cup 2027. India recorded its largest-ever representation in Chess at Esports World Cup 2026, with four Grandmasters representing the country.
Last year, Nihal Sarin, Aravindh Chithambaram, and Pranesh M competed under the banner of esports and gaming content organisation S8UL Esports, while Arjun Erigaisi represented Gen.G Esportacs.
And this time, everyone will be competing to grab the title from Esports Chess World Cup two-time champion Magnus Carlsen, as he looks to achieve a historic three-peat of EWC championships.
Other breakout stars to look out for are Belarusian chess grandmaster Denis Lazavik and Uzbekistan chess grandmaster Nodirbek Abdusattorov, who adapted to the Esports format as if they were natives to the genre.
Other grandmasters and chess whizzes to look out for include Hikaru Nakamura, Vincent Keymer, Wei Yi, and India’s very own Nihal Sarin.
