FIDE world cup 2025 in Goa: Gukesh leads 206 players

Reigning world champion D Gukesh has been named the top seed for the FIDE World Cup, scheduled to begin on October 30 in Goa. Fellow Indian grandmasters Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa have been seeded second and third, respectively, making India a dominant presence in the men’s event.

The tournament, which will conclude on November 27, will feature 206 participants from around the world, including Denmark’s Anish Giri as the fourth seed. Other notable players include USA’s Wesley So, Germany’s Vincent Keymer, China’s Wei Yi, Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Azerbaijan’s Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, and Hans Niemann.

The FIDE World Cup carries a total prize purse of USD 2 million. Beyond the monetary rewards, the competition offers a significant incentive: the top three finishers in Goa will secure direct entry into the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the next step toward competing for the World Chess Championship.

This year, the men’s World Cup is being held separately from the corresponding women’s tournament, which took place in July. The women’s event was won by Indian grandmaster Divya Deshmukh, who earned her grandmaster title along with a place in the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament.

As the 2025 FIDE World Cup approaches, attention will focus on the performances of the top-seeded players, especially India’s Gukesh, Erigaisi, and Praggnanandhaa, all of whom are expected to be strong contenders for the coveted Candidates spots and the substantial prize fund.