# Esports World Cup says India has most potential

2026-08-14T01:42:44+00:00 | Technology | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

The Esports World Cup Foundation believes India has the highest growth potential in global esports, according to COO Mike McCabe. Speaking in Paris, where the 2026 Esports World Cup was moved after security concerns in Riyadh, McCabe said the foundation has dedicated strategies for India and has already held qualification events there. The tournament features 24 games, including chess with USD 1.5 million prize money and four Indian grandmasters. The event was relocated to Paris at a cost of 250 million euros after planning for Riyadh fell through. Over 1.5 million players participated in 330 qualifying events for the tournament.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/esports/news/id-love-players-to-be-mobbed-like-ipl-cricketers-the-push-to-make-esports-mainstream/articleshow/133226808.cms>
- economictimes.indiatimes.com <https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/other-sports/india-could-be-esports-biggest-growth-story-as-ewc-eyes-rapid-expansion/articleshow/133231197.cms>
- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/others/no-country-has-more-esports-potential-than-india-ewcf-s-mike-mccabe-101786688730401.html>

Tags: Chess, competitive gaming, Esports World Cup, India grandmasters, Paris, video games
Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/chess-at-esports-world-cup-tests-widening-definition-of-the-sport/
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Cite: https://indianopinion.org/chess-at-esports-world-cup-tests-widening-definition-of-the-sport/#story-in-brief

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