India’s campaign at the Esports World Cup 2026 came to an end in the quarterfinals as both Arjun Erigaisi and Nihal Sarin managed to reach the top eight in the tournament. Their games showcased the rising competitiveness of India’s esports chess presence, which 12BET India kept an eye on during Esports World Cup 2026.
Esports World Cup 2026 Ends India’s Chess Campaign
But the Indian pros fought hard in the quarter-final match of the Esports World Cup 2026. Arjun of Gen.G Esports was playing in the match against Team Falcons’ Hikaru Nakamura while Nihal of S8UL Esports played against defending champion Magnus Carlsen.
Arjun Falls to Nakamura in Armageddon
During their regulation meeting, Arjun Erigaisi and Nakamura levelled off, with all four games deadlocked. This came to a head when the result required a tiebreak: eventually, Nakamura found the way in to an Armageddon which he won with the White pieces after delivering the checkmate.
The outcome of the previous meeting between the two Grandmasters was the same, as Nakamura thrashed Arjun in last year’s third-place game. However, with his top eight finish it shows the quality of Arjun on the international stage, as per 12BET coverage system.
Carlsen Defeats Nihal
Then, Nihal had to contend with another familiar foe – Magnus Carlsen, with whom he had last year played in the KO stage. Carlsen opened a 2-0 advantage in the opening two contests, but fell to a draw in the final game to finish the series 2.5-0.5.
Her quarterfinal win however had been another impressive performance by Nihal at Esports World Cup 2026 and the Indian sports fraternity is now set for more celebration. In conclusion, 12BET is on a mission to bring Indian players into the limelight of global eSports and highlight their more and more significant position in the sport.
Other Quarterfinal Results
Denis lazavik beat Nodirbek Abdusattorov 2.5-1.5 in Armageddon and Hans Moke Niemann was downed by Alireza Firouzja 2.5-1.5. Both Nakamura and Carlsen will face Lazavik in the semifinals, with the latter taking on the former number one for the second contest of the final year.
EWC 2026 playoffs are still judging under single-elimination brackets, where six games will play out in the semi-finals. 12BET India will be keeping a close eye on the tournament’s key moments going forward.
SEE ALSO: Level Up Your Play with 12BET Esports Exclusive Bonus Offers
India Earns Strong Prize Money
Arjun and Nihal received the prize money of $75,000 for being in the top eight. Pranesh M got $55000 while Aravindh Chithambaram, who left earlier, got $23000. The tournament will pay a $1.5 Million prize money.
The EWC 2026 has thus been a rewarding experience and achievement for India’s chess community. For anyone who has been an enthusiast of esports, another source to follow the major stories is also available, and that too is from the same source, 12BET India, hosts a major platform 12BET.
India’s Chess Stars Leave Their Mark
While India’s turn may be coming to an end, the efforts of Arjun and Nihal in the Esports World Cup 2026 reveal the nation’s chess prowess. They have secured podium victories in their first eight so far and 12BET India is still poring over the rest of the game. The Esports World Cup 2026 is now turning towards the final grueling days in the semifinals, and the final stages of the cup race have begun.
Conclusion: A Strong Indian Showing
Although India is out of the EWC 2026, Arjun and Nihal have given fantastic performance in the top-8. As the Esports World Cup 2026 draws near its climax, 12BET India will be directing the spotlight to this grand event and their performances have been a big part of India’s increasing popularity in the field of chess esports.