Another path to the prestigious Esports World Cup (EWC) has been revealed. Players can now participate in India Rising for a $30,000 prize fund and, most importantly, one spot at the EWC in Riyadh. The event mixes online qualifiers with a thrilling in-person final in Mumbai, India, and is open to professionals and amateurs worldwide.
The event features three online qualifiers, each a nine-round Swiss with a 10+0 time control. The action starts on May 18, with the Open Qualifier for non-titled players. Players can register to play in the Open Qualifier below:
The top five from each of the Open Qualifiers join titled players in the Titled Qualifier on May 23. A separate Indian Qualifier for titled players registered with the Indian federation also takes place on May 23.
The event comes at a crucial moment when Indian players are still fighting to carve out their place at the next EWC. For now, only GM Nihal Sarin has clinched his spot at the EWC. While India Rising is open to players worldwide, Indian players will be playing on home soil and can expect the full support of their fans.
The top four players from both the Titled Qualifier and the Indian Qualifier then move on to the Playoffs, which take place on May 24. The eight players will battle in a single-elimination bracket with a 10+0 time control for two spots in the Finals.
The two finalists must then fly to Mumbai to step onto the big stage, where a crowd of fans awaits. The pressure will be on as the players compete in a drama-fueled, winner-takes-all match, from which only one player can level up to the EWC Playoffs in Riyadh.
India Rising marks another exciting chapter of chess’s esports story, following its high-profile EWC debut in 2025. The event is sponsored by JioBLAST, a joint venture created specifically to accelerate esports growth in India. With JioBLAST’s commitment and reach, fans can expect a true spectacle that will deepen chess’s roots in the esports world.
Who do you think will win the India Rising Finals in Mumbai to guarantee a spot at the EWC? Let us know in the comments below!
