What turns the wheel of fortune?
A prayer pointing to the skies, crossing of the fingers, or just wishing well for the people you care about?
When Arjun Erigaisi, after beating Nihal Sarin, said that he was relieved that his compatriot was not eliminated, he resorted to the third one.
When chess at the Esports World Cup 2026 resumed on Thursday, Arjun and Nihal, both playing in the last bracket qualifiers, held their nerves to secure their spots in the quarterfinals. Perhaps luck works both ways.
Nihal, having lost to Arjun yesterday, struggled to get the break against Wei Yi, drawing both games, but then sealed his fate in Armageddon. Jan-Krzysztof Duda, who had beaten Nihal in the Chess.com Open semifinal in April, was up next.
A draw in the first game only made the contest more tense. But with fortune and quick moves on his side, Nihal, the Rapids specialist, forced Duda out of options as he bowed out with a shake of his head and with 20 seconds remaining on the clock.
Nihal, having lost to Arjun yesterday, struggled to get the break against Wei Yi, drawing both games, but then sealed his fate in Armageddon.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Nihal, having lost to Arjun yesterday, struggled to get the break against Wei Yi, drawing both games, but then sealed his fate in Armageddon.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
“In this format, you need a lot of luck. It’s very short and it’s very punishing. Some of the matches could have easily gone (against me). I’m just glad that I pulled through,” Nihal told Sportstar after the match.
Arjun, meanwhile, faced Pranesh M for a spot in the last eight. Pranesh, who had lost the opening match of the tournament to Nodirbek Abdusattorov, found a way past Benjamin Bok in the losers’ bracket through Armageddon.
But Arjun dominated the decider, winning both the games to join his friend in the quarterfinals. “Last time also, we had met early in the tournament, I had won and we had both qualified. This time, too, it has happened,” Arjun explained, smiling.
“I really hope we go further in the tournament.”
Indian esports organisation, GodLike Esports, also remained in the title race through Hans Niemann, who won the first game against Sina Movahed before the second game ended in a draw. In the last match of the day, Denis Lazavik stunned Ian Nepomniachtchi for the final slot
All quarterfinals and the two semifinals will be played on Friday, with the summit clash scheduled on August 15.
But for Indian chess enthusiasts, all eyes will be on Nihal and Erigaisi, who remain on course to strike India’s first-ever podium finish at the Esports World Cup.
Published on Aug 13, 2026
