FIDE World Cup back in India after 23 years

Reigning World Chess Champion D Gukesh is gearing up for a nostalgic return to Goa, a place where his chess journey once took shape. The 19-year-old prodigy will headline the Indian contingent at the FIDE World Cup 2025, which makes a historic comeback to India after 23 years. The prestigious tournament will be staged at a North Goa resort from October 31 to November 27, offering a whopping USD 2 million prize pool.

Gukesh, who first competed in Goa as a young talent in 2019, finishing 10th in the Goa International Open, now returns as the top seed and global chess icon. “I’m really excited about the World Cup. Playing in India is always special, and I have fond memories of Goa from my junior days. I’m looking forward to being back there,” said Gukesh.

The World Cup, considered one of the most important events in the global chess circuit, will feature 206 players from 82 countries. The top three finishers will secure a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the gateway to the next World Championship match. Gukesh, who has received a first-round bye, is expected to meet Kazakhstan’s Kazybek Nogerbek in the second round.

Among the international stars eyeing the title is Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri, one of the world’s top players and the highest-ranked foreign participant. Though Giri has already qualified for the 2026 Candidates, he remains keen to compete. “The World Cup is a great event, and I’m playing it regardless of qualification. It’s fun and challenging,” said Giri.

Reflecting on his past experiences, Giri recalled his near miss in the 2015 edition. “The qualification path is always tricky. I once came very close, losing in the semi-finals to Peter Svidler,” he added.

The FIDE World Cup has followed a knockout format since 2005 and stands as one of chess’s most grueling tests of skill and endurance. Only India’s Viswanathan Anand and Armenia’s Levon Aronian have managed to win the title twice.

As the event returns to Indian soil, all eyes will be on Gukesh, the country’s youngest-ever world champion to see if he can script another golden chapter in Goa, where his rise to greatness first began.