Vidit Gujrathi eyes Esports World Cup 2026 spot ahead of Mumbai finals

Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi is setting his sights on the Esports World Cup 2026 in Paris as he prepares for a pivotal match at the India Rising: Road to EWC Chess LAN Finals in Mumbai this Saturday. The Indian chess star, speaking ahead of the high-stakes competition, discussed his path through the qualifying rounds and underscored India's expanding influence in world chess.

Gujrathi revealed that he faced a near-elimination moment during the qualifiers but managed to navigate through the challenge. In his conversation with media, the grandmaster expressed strong backing for India's dedicated pathway through the EWC (Esports World Cup) structure, viewing it as crucial for developing homegrown chess talent. He emphasised his determination to secure a berth at the prestigious 2026 Paris tournament, marking a significant step in his career trajectory.

The Mumbai-based finals represent a critical juncture for Indian chess players aiming for international recognition through the esports route. Gujrathi's participation highlights the growing convergence between traditional chess excellence and the esports ecosystem, a trend gaining momentum across India. The grandmaster's comments reflect a broader narrative—India has established itself as a formidable force in competitive chess, yet significant gaps remain when measured against the world's elite chess nations in certain formats and competitive structures.

Gujrathi's reflections on India's chess landscape acknowledge the country's deep talent pool and infrastructure improvements. However, he also pointed to areas where Indian chess still lags behind established powerhouses. The evolution of chess within esports platforms represents a new frontier, blending classical competitive excellence with digital-age accessibility and global reach.

The Saturday finals in Mumbai will determine which Indian players advance toward the Esports World Cup pathway. For Gujrathi, success here would represent validation of both his individual skill and India's emerging strategy to dominate chess on the international esports stage. His journey underscores the shifting dynamics of competitive chess, where digital platforms and traditional mastery increasingly intersect, offering Indian chess talents fresh avenues for global competition and recognition.

Source: TOI India