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India’s Rocket League Squad Named for ENC 2026 Qualifiers
Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin has earned a direct invitation to the Esports Nations Cup 2026 Chess competition through the CCT Leaderboard rankings, while India’s Rocket League squad has been unveiled ahead of the regional qualifiers.
Indian chess star Nihal Sarin has secured a direct invitation to the Chess event at the upcoming Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC 2026) in Riyadh, marking a significant milestone for India’s presence in the rapidly growing esports ecosystem.
Sarin earned his place through the CCT (Champions Chess Tour) Leaderboard rankings, which recognize consistent performances at the highest levels of competitive online chess.
The achievement underscores India’s growing influence in esports chess, a discipline that continues to attract global audiences and elite players.
India’s Rocket League Team Announced
India has also confirmed its roster for the Rocket League competition. The squad will comprise:
- Abscrazy
- Karvin
- Riyal
- Orjanguse
The team is set to compete in the regional qualifiers scheduled from July 17 to July 19, where they will attempt to secure a berth in the main tournament.
About ENC 2026
The Chess competition at ENC 2026 will be held in Riyadh from November 2 to November 8, 2026.
The tournament is expected to feature some of the world’s leading chess players and esports athletes, with a prize pool estimated at approximately ₹5.7 crore, reflecting the growing investment and popularity of esports on the global stage.
Industry observers note that the inclusion of chess in major esports events has further blurred the lines between traditional mind sports and competitive gaming, creating new opportunities for elite chess professionals.
Nihal Sarin’s qualification is being viewed as another important achievement for Indian chess, which has continued to produce world-class talent across both over-the-board and online competitive formats.
