India Chess Star Vidit Gujrathi: We're Strong But Not Yet An Esports Hub

Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi has acknowledged India's emergence as a formidable chess nation while cautioning that the country still needs to develop its broader esports infrastructure. Speaking ahead of the India Rising: Road to EWC Chess LAN Finals in Mumbai, the Indian chess prodigy reflected on his competitive journey and the growing intersection between traditional chess and esports competition.

Gujrathi navigated through the qualifying rounds with determination, overcoming a challenging moment when he came dangerously close to elimination. Despite the pressure, he managed to secure his progression and now sets his sights on the Esports World Cup 2026 in Paris. The champion expressed strong backing for India's dedicated EWC (Esports World Cup) pathway, viewing it as crucial infrastructure for developing competitive talent in the esports realm.

India's chess prowess has surged significantly in recent years, with the country producing multiple grandmasters and international champions. However, Gujrathi's remarks highlight a critical distinction: while India excels in chess talent development, the broader esports ecosystem remains underdeveloped compared to global standards. The country lacks the comprehensive support systems, gaming infrastructure, and institutional framework that characterize mature esports markets.

The Mumbai finals represent an important milestone for Indian chess in the esports space, bringing high-level competition to the city. For aspiring esports players, Gujrathi's journey underscores both the opportunities available and the work required to establish India as a true esports powerhouse. His determination to reach Paris 2026 signals that Indian players are ready to compete at the highest international levels, even as the domestic esports foundation continues to strengthen.

Source: Times of India