The FIDE World Cup 2025 stands as chess’s most prestigious and fiercely contested tournaments. A much revered chess world cup that brings together the globe’s top grandmasters and rising stars, this chess world cup 2025 is one that is held biennially. A high stakes knockout event that not only showcases elite strategy and mental endurance, the FIDE World Cup 2025 also acts as a critical qualifier for the Candidates Tournament, which is the gateway to the World Chess Championship. With intense rivalries, dramatic upsets, and global anticipation, the 2025 edition of this chess world cup promises to elevate the grandeur of competitive chess to new heights.
Details of the FIDE World Cup 2025
After much anticipation and delay, the venue for the FIDE World Cup 2025 has been officially announced to be Goa. The FIDE World Cup dates this year run from October 30, 2025 to November 27, 2025. Featuring 206 players in a two-game knockout format of eight rounds, each round is typically expected to span across three days. With two classical games being held on the first two days of this chess world cup, it will be followed by tie-breaks on the third day, if required.
Featuring an eight-round single-elimination structure, the top 50 seeds receive byes into the second round, while players ranked 51-206 begin from the first round.
Offering the top three finishers a direct qualification for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the winner of the Candidates will thereafter earn the right to challenge the current World Champion, who is India’s D Gukesh, next year.
Venue details for the FIDE World Cup 2025 in Goa
This is the first time since 2002 that India will be hosting the prestigious chess world cup. Symbolizing the nation’s ascent as a global chess powerhouse, Goa has been officially selected to host the chess world cup 2025.
Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, Goa is sure to create a world class backdrop for both the players and spectators at the FIDE World Cup 2025. As per reports, the tournament is set to take place in Arpora, which is a village in North Goa known for its scenic charm and accessibility.
Initially, the discussions regarding the finalisation of the venue were uncertain. With speculations about Delhi and Ahmedabad, ultimately, Goa was confirmed. With its beautiful blend of cultural appeal and infrastructure, Goa definitely tipped the scales.
Key highlights
1. Historic setting and stakes
All set to be hosted in Goa, India, the FIDE World Cup dates are from October 31 to November 27, 2025. Featuring 206 elite chess players in a single-elimination format, the top three finishers will earn spots at the 2026 Candidates Tournament. Thus, with the stakes being high, fierce competition is expected.
2. Global chess powerhouse on display
The lineup at the FIDE World Cup this year includes top tier grandmasters from around the world. With such great competition, the prestige and intensity of the event are both elevated.
3. Format and format dynamics
With the chess world cup 2025 featuring a knockout format, the rounds are expected to escalate tension and shifting strategies. Consistently generating dramatic matchups, nerve wracking tie breaks, and sudden upsets, this year’s chess world cup is sure to keep the spectators hooked.
4. India’s showcase in chess
By hosting this prestigious event, India further cements its status as a chess superpower. With homegrown talents and national pride that is amplified by global attention, the FIDE World Cup 2025 surely marks a milestone for our country as well.
5. Prestige
With a $2 million prize fund, Goa marks the first time that India would be hosting the chess world cup since 2002, when Viswanath Anand triumphed in Hyderabad.
India’s star studded lineup
A record number of at least 21 Indian players have secured their players in the chess world cup 2025, underlining the country’s dominance in the global chess scene. Some of the prominent names include D Gukesh, who is considered as the reigning World Champion, and is already a giant name in the chess world. R Praggnanandhaa will also be seen participating in the FIDE World Cup 2025. He is the World Cup 2023 runner up and one of India’s most consistent performers. Others include Arjun Erigaisi, who is currently ranked at the fifth position worldwide, along with other notable names like Aravindh Chithambaram, Vidit Gujrathi, Viswanathan Anand, Nihal Sarin, and many others who are collectively forming a rich and deep Indian challenge at the chess world cup 2025.