India’s chess hopes end as Carlsen defends Esports World Cup title

India's challenge at the Esports World Cup 2026 chess tournament ended on Friday as both Nihal Sarin and Arjun Erigaisi lost in the quarterfinals. Sportstar reports that defending champion Magnus Carlsen brushed aside Nihal 2-0, while Arjun forced an Armageddon against Hikaru Nakamura but lost. Indian players earned a total prize pool of USD 225,000, with Nihal and Arjun taking USD 75,000 each (approx. Rs 71.7 lakh).

Carlsen went on to defend his title on Saturday, overpowering Belarusian prodigy Denis Lazavik 2-0 in the final at the Expo Porte de Versailles in Paris. The Norwegian, an Esports World Cup ambassador, remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. Lazavik, 19, had earlier knocked out Nakamura and Ian Nepomniachtchi, earning USD 190,000 for his run. In the third-place match, Alireza Firouzja abandoned the match after technical issues, handing Nakamura the spot and USD 145,000.

With chess concluded, Sportstar says attention shifts to BGMI, where Indian teams GodLike Esports and S8UL will compete in the grand finals over the next two days. Strangely, over 10 players likely fell sick due to food poisoning, limiting action on Friday. Sportstar has reached out to players and organisers for comment.