Vidit Gujrathi: India Ranks as a Chess Powerhouse but Faces Challenges in Becoming an Esports Hub – The Times of India

Vidit Gujrathi: Indias Chess Legacy vs. Esports Future

In a recent interview, renowned chess Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi emphasized Indias status as a significant player in the global chess arena while asserting that it still has a considerable distance to cover before becoming a major hub for esports.

Gujrathi praised the growth of chess in India, citing the increasing number of players and the governments support in promoting the game at grassroots levels. He noted that the country has produced several world-class players, which contributes to Indias reputation as a chess powerhouse.

However, when discussing the esports landscape, Gujrathi highlighted challenges such as the need for more infrastructure, better organization, and a structured approach to nurture talent. While esports is gaining traction in India with a rising number of tournaments and players, he believes it requires a more formalized ecosystem to thrive comparably to other countries with established esports industries.

To bolster its position in esports, Gujrathi suggests that India should prioritize investments in training, facilities, and partnerships with international gaming organizations. By fostering a more robust environment for competitive gaming, he believes India could not only enhance its esports capabilities but also attract global attention and investment in this burgeoning sector.

As esports continues to evolve, stakeholders in the Indian gaming landscape may focus on leveraging its existing strengths in traditional games like chess to build a foundation that supports the growth of esports in the country.