Chess | It’s official! Goa to host FIDE World Cup with Rs 17.5 Cr prize pool | Chess News

The likes of D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa and extra will symbolize India on the FIDE World Cup (Image through X)

The FIDE World Cup 2025 will happen in Goa from October 31 to November 27, bringing one in every of chess’s most prestigious knockout tournaments to India. A complete of 206 gamers will compete for a prize pool of USD 2 million (over ₹17.5 crore) and three qualifying spots within the 2026 Candidates Tournament. The occasion follows an eight-round knockout format, with the highest 50 seeds starting their campaigns from the second spherical. Each match will include two classical video games, adopted by fast and blitz tie-breaks if required. Goa was chosen because the host metropolis for its mix of pure magnificence and cultural enchantment, providing gamers and followers a vibrant backdrop for high-stakes competitors in accordance to a FIDE launch. India’s current rise as a chess powerhouse added to the case for staging the World Cup on its soil.

Emil Sutovsky on X (Screengrab)

In the previous yr, Indian chess has reached new heights. D Gukesh grew to become the World Champion, the nationwide groups triumphed on the Chess Olympiad in each the Open and Women’s classes, and teenager Divya Deshmukh claimed the Women’s World Cup in July. Hosting the Open World Cup is seen as one other landmark second for the game within the nation.

Schedule for 2025 FIDE World Cup (Screengrab, Credits – FIDE)

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich underlined the significance of the transfer. “India has become one of the strongest chess nations, with outstanding players and passionate fans. After the success of the FIDE Women’s World Cup held in Georgia earlier this year, we are proud to bring the FIDE World Cup to Goa. It will be a celebration of chess, and a unique experience for players and spectators from around the world,” he instructed FIDE, noting that representatives from over 90 nations are anticipated.

AICF President Nitin Narang described it as a milestone for Indian chess. “This is a proud moment for Indian chess, and we are committed to delivering an event that reflects both the passion of our fans and the professionalism of our federation. The World Cup will not only inspire millions across the country but also showcase India’s growing stature as a global hub for chess,” Narang stated. With the venue now confirmed, anticipation is excessive for what guarantees to be one of the vital intently adopted tournaments in current instances.