Chess Grand Master at 14: Who is Nihal Sarin, the 21-year-old who refused to sign with Magnus Carlsen? | Mint

Indian Grand Master Nihal Sarin reached the play -off match at the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh. After losing against Arjun Erigaisi on day 1 0–2, he bounced back with a 2-0 win over Anish Giri. Sarin, who represents S8UL Esports, defeated Maxime Vachier-Lager-Lagrave 1.5–0,5 to qualify from Group B. at EWC 2025, and then the five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen stood in the quarterfinals on July 31. The match attracted attention to its tension and high-level. In the first quick game, Nihal managed a draw, despite the fact that he was only 20 seconds left. However, Carlsen later won the match by 2.5-0.5 by taking the next games. One important moment came when Carlsen offered a draw in the second game, but Nihal refused. Carlsen smiled during the moment. Magnus won the game later. Although Nihal did not reach the semi -finals, his fearless performance impressed fans and experts. Who is Nihal Sarin? Nihal Sarin is one of India’s leading young chess players. He was born on July 13, 2004 in Thrissur, Kerala. He became a grand master at the age of 14 in 2018. Nihal is known for playing very quickly while staying calm, even under time pressure. He is especially good at fast and blitz chess formats. Nihal Sarin won the U-10 World Blitz Championship in 2013 and the U-10 World Youth Championships in 2014. In 2020 he became the U-18 World Youth Champion and won gold for India in the online fide Chess Olympiad. Sarin also won chess.com’s junior speed Chess Championship in 2020 and 2021. In 2022 he reached the final of the Chess.com Global Championship and beat top players like Kramnik, Ding Liren and Anish Giri. Only Wesley could stop him. He earns $ 100,000 as runner -up. In that year, he also won the Tata Steel India Rapid and won a bronze medal at the Fide Olympiad. In 2023 she reached fide rating 2692 and placed him 44th in the world.