The wait is finally over. The chess world turns its eyes to India once again as the FIDE World Cup 2025 kicks off in Goa from October 30 to November 27. For the first time, the world’s biggest knockout chess tournament comes to India’s coastal paradise, and the excitement is sky-high.

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All matches will be played at Resort Rio, North Goa, a venue known for its scenic setting and top-notch facilities. Fans can expect a mix of intense battles over the board and Goa’s signature relaxed vibe off it.

Why the World Cup matters

The FIDE World Cup isn’t just another tournament. It’s one of the most important events in chess, second only to the Candidates and the World Championship itself. The top three finishers in Goa will earn a golden ticket to the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the final step before the World Championship match.

Unlike most sports World Cups, chess follows a knockout format; one bad day can send even a top grandmaster home. That’s what makes it brutal, unpredictable, and thrilling.

Tournament format
The Worchampions are from 206 players from more than 80 countries. The top 50 seeds receive a bye into Round 2, while others begin from Round 1. Every match has two classical games; if tied, players battle it out in rapid and blitz tiebreakers.

Rounds progress as follows:

• Round 1: Nov 1–3

• Round 2: Nov 4–6

• Round 3: Nov 7–9

• Round 4: Nov 11–13

• Round 5: Nov 14–16

• Quarterfinals: Nov 17–19

• Semifinals: Nov 21–23

• Finals: Nov 24–26
  
  
  

The Indian charge

India is sending one of its strongest-ever contingents: 24 players in total. And the top three seeds of the event are all Indian: D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa.

World Champion Gukesh enters as the top seed, while Divya Deshmukh, fresh from her Women’s World Cup triumph, will be the only female participant in the main event. It’s a proud moment for Indian chess fans, as the next generation of champions Vishy’ children,” as many call them, lead the way.

Other top Indian names include Vidit Gujrathi, Aravindh Chithambaram, Nihal Sarin, Pentala Harikrishna, Raunak Sadhwani, and Pranav V.

Who’s missing?

Reigning champion Magnus Carlsen has chosen to skip the event, along with other big names such as Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, Alireza Firouzja, Ding Liren, and Jan-Krzysztof Duda. Their absence opens the door for new faces to make a deep run.

Big names to watch
Keep an eye on Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, Anish Giri, Wesley So, and Vincent Keymer, all serious title contenders. Two-time winner Levon Aronian and rising star Wei Yi could also surprise.

For Gukesh, this is more than just another tournament. It’s his first World Cup appearance as the reigning World Champion, and playing at home gives him a rare chance to deliver a statement victory in front of Indian fans.

A look back
The FIDE World Cup has a rich history of champions, from Carlsen (2023) to Duda, Radjabov, and Karjakin, and legends like Kramnik and Gelfand.
Viswanathan Anand won the event twice (2000, 2002). The 2002 edition was also held in India, making the 2025 event in Goa a symbolic return home after more than two decades.

The road ahead
With $2,000,000 in prize money and three spots in the Candidates up for grabs, every round promises drama, heartbreak, and brilliance. Goa will not just host a tournament; it will celebrate how far Indian chess has come.

So mark your calendars, follow the action, and cheer for Team India as the world’s best players fight it out on the 64 squares.
The FIDE World Cup 2025,  the ultimate chess showdown, is now on Indian soil.

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