The global chess governing body, FIDE, has officially announced that Goa will host the prestigious 2025 Chess World Cup from October 30 to November 27. The marquee event will bring 206 players from over 90 countries to India's west coast, including top stars like reigning World Champion D. Gukesh and teenage prodigy R. Praggnanandhaa.
The World Cup is one of the most dramatic tournaments on the chess calendar, not only for its massive USD 2 million prize fund but also for the crucial prizes on offer. The top three finishers in the knockout tournament will earn coveted spots in the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the event that determines the next challenger for Gukesh's world title.
The official announcement came after months of anticipation, with New Delhi initially considered the frontrunner to host. Mahesh Candolkar, president of the Goa Chess Association, explained that the late confirmation was due to "procedural delays" that required securing formal approvals from FIDE, the All India Chess Federation (AICF), and both state and central government bodies.
The news was met with enthusiasm from chess officials. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich praised India as "one of the strongest chess nations" and promised the event would be a "celebration of chess." Echoing this, AICF President Nitin Narang called it a "proud moment for Indian chess" that will "showcase India’s growing stature as a global hub for chess."
The tournament's format promises high-pressure action from start to finish. The 206 players will compete in an eight-round, head-to-head knockout system. Each round consists of a two-game classical match, followed by rapid and blitz tie-breaks if the score is tied, creating a thrilling "win-or-go-home" scenario in every single matchup.
This marks the first time India has hosted the World Cup since 2002, an event in Hyderabad where Indian legend Viswanathan Anand was crowned champion. With the incredible rise of a new generation of Indian superstars, home fans will have high hopes that contenders like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi can repeat history and triumph on home soil.
