The Esports Foundation and JioBLAST have officially announced a strategic partnership to introduce India Rising: Road to EWC, a groundbreaking national esports and chess qualification pathway that is directly linked to the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026. This initiative aims to provide Indian gamers and chess enthusiasts with a structured route to compete on the global stage.
Chess as the Inaugural Competitive Title
The program will kick off with chess as its first competitive discipline, featuring nationwide online qualifiers that will culminate in an offline grand final event in Mumbai. The ultimate winner of this pathway will secure a coveted spot in the Esports World Cup 2026 chess main event, which is scheduled to take place in Riyadh from August 11 to 15 next year.
Participation and Qualification Details
According to the organizers, the open registration process is expected to attract over 10,000 players from across India. Meanwhile, titled Indian chess players will receive direct entry into the closed qualifier stage, bypassing the initial rounds. The Mumbai final will not only determine the champion but also feature exhibition matches in popular titles like VALORANT and Moba Legends: 5v5!, along with creator programming and fan engagement activities designed to foster a vibrant community atmosphere.
Global Vision and Local Impact
Mohammed Al Nimer, Chief Commercial Officer of the Esports Foundation, emphasized the significance of this partnership. "The Esports World Cup's purpose is to unite the global gaming community," he stated. "India is central to that vision." Al Nimer further noted that the collaboration with JioBLAST would create "new opportunities for Indian players to compete at the highest level, while bringing the EWC closer to its fans in the country."
India's Rising Prominence in Chess
India has emerged as one of the leading nations in chess in recent years, with prodigies like Gukesh Dommaraju, R Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi gaining international acclaim. The country was also represented at the Esports World Cup 2025 by Nihal Sarin and Erigaisi. Chess made its debut at the Esports World Cup last year, where Magnus Carlsen claimed the inaugural title. The 2026 edition will feature a 21-player field and multiple qualification routes, including the newly announced India Rising pathway.
A spokesperson from JioBLAST expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "Partnering with the Esports World Cup to build India Rising: Road to EWC will change that." The initiative is expected to significantly boost the esports ecosystem in India, providing a clear pathway for aspiring players to reach the highest level of competition.
