FIDE World Cup R1 Day 2: Favourites advance, but drama awaits in the tiebreaks
With the gradual arrival of most of the top 50 seeds, the second game of round one commenced on time in the convention hall of the Baga Resort Rio in Goa. Among others, I spotted elite 2700+ GMs Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Javokhir Sindarov, Vladimir Fedoseev, and Jorden van Foreest acclimatising to the new location. I also had the pleasure of having lunch with the 13th seed, Le Quang Liem from Vietnam. Commentator Jan Gustafsson noted that players might need a bit more time to adapt: “Two days seem to be cutting it rather close if you arrive from a distant time zone.” Top Indian Olympiad player Vidit Gujrathi obviously doesn’t have this disadvantage, though he still enjoyed a relaxed stroll around the playing hall toward the end of the round. More top players are expected to arrive throughout the day, with the rest of the field assembling at the venue tomorrow — eager to learn who they will face in the second round of the knockout. All of them, including World Champion Gukesh D., will join the action in round two. The venue welcomed a very special guest to perform the ceremonial first move. Vishy Anand — former five-time World Champion and current FIDE Deputy President — opened the round by playing 1.c4 for Turkey’s Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus on board one. The move was met with 1…e5, played on behalf of his opponent, Abugenda Nagi of Libya, by Mr. Ali Fouzi, President of the Libyan Chess Federation. Just fifteen minutes into the playing session, three players had already secured qualification to the second round. Amin Bassem, Étienne Bacrot, and Nikita Petrov were each awarded victories by forfeit after their opponents failed to appear for their two-game matches. Barbadian International Master Orlando Husbands, however, arrived too late for the first game of his match but eventually made it to the venue and put his opponent — top German Grandmaster Frederik Svane (2640) — to the test. Though he ultimately lost and was eliminated, he fought valiantly and made his presence felt on the board. Over the following hours, the hall was filled with deep concentration. As I moved among the tables in search of the most compelling encounters, the atmosphere was almost tangible — focus at 100%, and the tension of high stakes evident on every face. The first decisive result was confirmed shortly after the midpoint of the round. American 15-year-old prodigy Andy Woodward scored the opening victory of the afternoon, defeating India’s Gusain Himal with a convincing 2–0 overall score. Playing with the black pieces, Woodward had already seized the initiative. With his last move, 19…Ngf4, he attacked the pawn on g2. White needed to eliminate the knight immediately, but after just three minutes of reflection, Gusain blundered with 20.Kf1?, allowing 20…Nxg3+ 21.fxg3 Nh5!, creating the decisive threat of 22…Nxg3, which would win material. The strength of the bishop on a7, dominating all the dark squares around White’s king, became apparent. Recognizing the hopelessness of his position, Gusain resigned soon after. With this victory, Woodward advances to face a formidable opponent in round two — Austria’s Kirill Alekseenko(rated 2679). As more results began to come in, attention turned to one of the most anticipated encounters of the day — the game featuring one of the youngest participants in the tournament, 14-year-old Argentinian prodigy IM Ilan Schnaider (rated 2401), against former European Champion Aleksandar Indjic, a strong Serbian Grandmaster rated 2635 — and, at 6’8″, arguably the tallest GM in the world! Having lost the first game, Schnaider needed a victory to force a tiebreak. After the opening, he had exactly the kind of dynamic position he was hoping for. The Serbian’s king on d7 was in serious trouble in this chaotic position, clearly favorable for White. Schnaider spent nearly fifteen minutes here, weighing his attacking options, before deciding on 17.Nf4, and ended up just slightly better. However, he missed a golden opportunity to press for the full point. Instead the move played, he could have launched a powerful assault with 17.Qa4+! The key idea is after 17…c6 fails to 18.Be7! attacking the queen and preparing dangerous follow-ups such as Qa3–d6 or Re4. It’s likely that a player of Schnaider’s caliber examined this line but dismissed it due to the absence of an immediate tactical breakthrough. Needing only a draw to advance, Indjic chose to simplify the earliest opportunity and calmly secured qualification after a draw in a double-rook endgame. Yesterday’s biggest upset came when Chilean GM Cristóbal Henríquez Villagra unexpectedly lost on time in a theoretically drawn endgame against an opponent rated 150 points lower. Determined to make amends, he struck back today with an impressive attacking victory that forced a tiebreak. Henríquez Villagra concluded the game in style with the precise and elegant 45.Re8+!. The point is simple yet beautiful: after 45…Qxe8, White delivers a classic “Dovetail Mate” with 46.Qd6#. A clean and instructive finish — and a fitting way to erase the memory of yesterday’s disappointment. Combination of the day It’s always difficult to single out the best combination of the day — with so many great games unfolding simultaneously, it’s nearly impossible to keep track of them all. Nevertheless, Spain’s number one, GM David Antón Guijarro, secured his 2–0 qualification to the next round with a brilliant queen sacrifice against Angolan IM David Silva. Silva has just played 31.Rea1, threatening Ra7 and giving up his bishop on g5, in order to seize control of the seventh rank and threaten the f7-pawn. Antón thought for a few minutes before confidently accepting the challenge with 31…Bxg5. After 32.Ra7, he stunned the spectators by sacrificing his queen: 32…Qxa7! 33.Rxa7 Rf6!, attacking White’s queen and turning the tables completely. After 34.Qd1 Rxf2, Silva resigned. A spectacular illustrative line might be 35.h3 Rxf1! 36.Bxf1 Be3+ 37.Kg2 Bxe4+, with a decisive attack. It’s clear that Antón had foreseen this entire sequence before giving up his queen — a testament to both courage and calculation. Meanwhile, the recent Women’s World
World Cup 2025 kicks off in Goa: Anand honored, young stars shine
The first game of Round One of the FIDE World Cup began this afternoon at 3:00 PM local time in the Baga Resort Rio’s convention centre in Goa, India. The pristine venue hosted the opening clashes of what promises to be a thrilling month-long event, featuring 206 of the world’s top players battling for three coveted spots in the Candidates Tournament — the final step toward challenging for the World Championship title. The round opened with the traditional ceremonial first move: FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich played 1.e4 on behalf of GM Jeffery Xiong (USA). AICF President Nitin Narang mirrored the move for GM Pranav V (India). According to tournament regulations, the top 50 seeds are automatically qualify for Round 2, meaning 78 games were contested today. Move of the day One of the first games to conclude in Round 1 featured the sensational Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, currently rated 2651 and rapidly ascending the world rankings. Born in 2011, the Turkish prodigy is, as of 2025, the youngest grandmaster in the world — and today, he once again demonstrated why. Facing Candidate Master Nagi Abugenda (Libya, 1972), Erdogmus unleashed a brilliant attacking display in an Exchange French Defence. White, already behind in development and with his king stranded in the centre, was caught in the crossfire of a sharp tactical strike. From this moment, Black’s attack erupted with the bold sacrifice 10…Nce5!, forking the queen and bishop. The young grandmaster spent only six minutes calculating the sequence. “I thought this was going to be a long game and that I would win in the endgame,” said Erdogmus afterward. “But then he started to play very aggressively. I think he missed knight e5, and after that he’s just losing.” After 11.dxe5 Nxe5 (another fork), 12.Qxd5 Be6! followed — a developing move that renewed the attack by targeting the overloaded queen. When White retreated with 13.Qe4, Erdogmus continued energetically with 13…f5!, and after 14.Qe3, he had already foreseen the decisive 14…Bd5!, simultaneously attacking the rook on h1 and threatening 15…Nf3+ winning the queen. With no way to parry all the threats, Abugenda resigned a few moves later, conceding victory to the young Turkish star in impressive fashion. On board two, GM Jeffery Xiong (USA, 2648) prevailed in a difficult endgame against CM Li Yiheng (Hong Kong, 1994). Despite the 650-point rating gap, the 12-year-old from Hong Kong played far above his rating, testing the American grandmaster’s technique at every turn. https://youtu.be/u79ZODb5XFQ In his post-game comments, Xiong praised his young opponent’s resilience and talent: “I wasn’t at all surprised because he is a very young player and, as someone who was already giving GMs a tough fight when I was thirteen years old, I knew going in that he was a prodigy and that I should take it very seriously.” On board three, GM Maxim Rodshtein (Israel, 2647) took the lead in his two-game mini-match against CM Qin Oscar Shu Xuan (New Zealand) with a crisp victory as Black. Rodshtein seized the initiative early, gradually building pressure before launching a decisive kingside attack that left his opponent defenceless. Meanwhile, on board five, England’s former world top-ten player GM Michael Adams (2646) showcased his renowned technical precision. In a queen endgame, Adams converted his outside passed pawn into a new queen, sealing a clinical victory in trademark style. Rounding out the top results, GM Vladislav Artemiev (FIDE, 2637) also outplayed CM Heskiel Ndahangwapo of Namibia, trapping his opponent’s queen in the middlegame — a rare tactical motif at this level, and one that drew murmurs of admiration from spectators following the games online. With so many fascinating games on display, it was impossible not to notice several dazzling moments of creativity. One game, in particular, stood out for its sheer precision and ingenuity. In his encounter with IM Satbek Akhmedinov (Kazakhstan, 2372), GM Pranesh M. (India, 2630) found the only move to force victory in a razor-sharp position. In the position, where 47.Bd4+ would have allowed 47…Qxd4, saving the game, and 47.Rf1 would have fallen to 47…Rxg2+!, Pranesh instead uncorked the spectacular 47.Qg7!! Now the twin threats of 48.Bd4+ and 48.Rc6+ loomed, either of which would have decided the game instantly. Akhmedinov tried to resist with 47…Ra1+, but Pranesh calmly blocked with 48.Rf1+!, picking up the rook on a1 and forcing immediate resignation. Outstanding stuff from the young Indian grandmaster. The World Cup’s opening round once again reminded everyone of its trademark unpredictability, as several underdogs punched above their weight to produce surprises and memorable results. The biggest upset of the day came when Chile’s top player, GM Cristóbal Henríquez Villagra (2605), fell with Black in a tricky rook + bishop vs bishop endgame against IM Agibileg Uurtsaikh (Mongolia, 2448). A handful of grandmasters were unable to break through and had to settle for draws — likely saving their energy and preparation for Game 2. Among them: FM Mohan Kavin (Malaysia, 2346), who held GM Robert Hovhannisyan (Armenia, 2633) to a solid draw. IM Reja Neer Manon (Bangladesh, 2369), who split the point with GM Aryan Tari (Norway, 2631). Another standout performance came from FM Daniel Barrish (South Africa, 2284), who pressed with Black throughout against Goa’s own GM Raunak Sadhwani (2641) before agreeing to a draw after 56 moves — a truly impressive result for the young South African. Last but not least, the only female player in the field, recent Women’s World Cup champion GM Divya Deshmukh (India), was defeated by GM Stamatis Kourkoulos-Arditis (Greece, 2583). Divya showed ambition from the start, sacrificing a pawn in the opening to build attacking chances. However, the compensation never fully materialized. As the game steered into a complex double-rook endgame, time pressure took its toll — one misstep was all it took for the Greek grandmaster to seize control and convert the point. Divya will have another opportunity tomorrow to even the match. https://youtu.be/3X6iRvyRrrM Asked afterward about the unusual atmosphere created by dozens of cameras and spectators crowding the top boards, Kourkoulos-Arditis smiled: “I’ve
Opening ceremony of the 2025 FIDE World Cup dazzles in Goa
The Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa hosted this afternoon the 2.5-hour-long opening ceremony of the 2025 FIDE World Cup, marking the official start of one of the world’s most prestigious chess events. A vibrant mix of India’s leading music and film industry artists delighted an audience of over a thousand players, officials, and guests with a series of breathtaking performances interwoven with inspiring speeches from dignitaries and chess leaders. At 4:30 p.m. sharp, the evening’s presenters welcomed everyone to the ceremony, noting that 206 top players from around the world will compete for the USD 2 million prize fund in what promises to be the toughest intellectual battle ever, focused on strategy, determination, and motivation. After the audience stood for the Indian national anthem, the dignitaries performed the traditional lighting of the lamp a symbolic act representing blessings, greatness, and positivity. The distinguished guests included Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports; Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa; Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister for Art & Culture, Tribal Welfare and Sports & Youth Affairs of Goa; FIDE President Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich; and AICF President Mr. Nitin Narang. A curtain-raising video followed, celebrating The Spirit and Story of Chess, and concluding with the stirring line: “Where strategy meets spirit and champions are born.” The Hormuzd Khambata dance company then took the stage with a dazzling performance paying tribute to Goan color and culture. Among the evening’s speeches, two stood out. Mr. Nitin Narang, President of the All India Chess Federation, read a recorded message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed his hope that the FIDE World Cup would inspire a new generation of players. He emphasized that “the event offers a special opportunity not only to showcase talent but also to motivate the youth ” and with these words, he declared the FIDE World Cup 2025 open. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich followed, reminding everyone that the tournament is among the most important and dramatic in the FIDE calendar. Of the 206 players participating, only three will qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the gateway to the world championship match. Dvorkovich described Goa as “not just a coastal paradise, but the Colosseum of Chess” where legends are forged and new champions born. He concluded by wishing all players good luck and fair play, adding: “While we cannot yet say who will be the winner in Goa, two things are certain: this will be a great event, and the players will experience the full breadth of Indian hospitality, which is difficult to match.” As Dvorkovich ended his remarks, the audience rose for the FIDE anthem, followed by an energetic live performance of The Spirit of Goa by Hema Sardesai and her band. Then came a special moment: GM Divya Deshmukh, the recent 2025 Women’s World Cup Champion and the only female player in this event, joined the presenters on stage to conduct the drawing of lots. By selecting black for Gukesh, the top seed, it was determined that all odd-numbered players will start their first games with the black pieces. Divya shared her excitement: “Playing on home soil and representing India gives me an extra sense of pride and motivation.” A flute and beatbox performance by the Qudrot Duo followed, before the dignitaries reunited on stage to unveil the Vishwanathan Anand World Cup Trophy – a magnificent brass and gold-plated creation, symbolizing passion, precision, and performance. A final video screening of the official World Cup song – It’s Your Move – preceded the night’s closing performance by the legendary Usha Uthup band, who brought the house down with powerful renditions including Skyfall from the James Bond film of the same name. Round 1 begins on November 1 at 3:00 PM local time. The action can be followed live on the FIDE YouTube Channel, featuring expert commentary by GMs Evgenij Miroshnichenko and Jan Gustafsson. To watch the games in person, tickets can be purchased [HERE] Written by Michael Rahal Photos: Michal Walusza, Eteri Kublashvili
FIDE, AICF and KIIT University Sign Landmark MoU to Promote Chess in Education and Society
Goa, India — October 31, 2025 A new chapter for chess and education was written this morning at the Hotel Rio Resort in Goa, India, where the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the All India Chess Federation (AICF), and KIIT University officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote the values of chess in education and society across India, Asia, and the world. The signing took place just hours before the opening of the 2025 FIDE World Cup, highlighting the shared commitment of all parties to use chess as a tool for learning, inclusion, and personal growth. President Arkady Dvorkovich, representing FIDE; President Nitin Narang, representing the AICF; and Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS Universities and Member of Parliament, signed the MoU in a ceremony attended by chess officials, educators, and media representatives. The agreement sets a framework for cooperation through 2025 and 2026, focusing on joint initiatives such as training programs, workshops, conferences, research, case studies, school competitions, and awareness campaigns. The collaboration also aims to enhance teacher training and develop educational programs that bring chess into classrooms and communities — beginning in India and expanding globally. “We have recently launched the 2026 Year of Education in Chess, following this year’s Year of Social Chess. There is an ongoing effort to fulfill the social mission of our beloved game, and we are delighted to find more and more partners joining us in this endeavor. This Memorandum will help us promote chess in schools and share best practices and knowledge—not only in India but globally,” said Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE. “It’s a proud moment to sign this MoU, with India leading the way in Social Chess. I am confident that AICF, KIIT, and FIDE will make every effort to ensure that every school provides access to chess from an early age,” said Nitin Narang, President of AICF. “We are committed to promoting all forms of sports in India, and our chess programs have been running successfully for many years. I warmly invite everyone to the January conference in the beautiful city of Bhubaneswar, and I hope it will be a great success,” said Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT University. As part of the agreement, an International Conference on Social Chess and Educational Chess will be held in January 2026 in Bhubaneswar, hosted by KIIT University. This event will form part of FIDE’s global initiatives: the Year of Social Chess 2025 and the Year of Educational Chess 2026, bringing together international and Indian experts to explore how chess can foster social inclusion and educational innovation. In closing the ceremony, Arkady Dvorkovich presented KIIT University and the AICF with the Social Chess Years Award Medal, in recognition of their commitment to advancing chess for social good. This landmark collaboration underscores India’s growing leadership in the global chess movement — demonstrating how the game can transform education, empower youth, and connect communities worldwide. About FIDE The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is the governing body of world chess, founded in 1924, with 200 national federations as members. FIDE promotes chess as a tool for education, inclusion, and international cooperation. About AICF The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is the national governing body for chess in India, overseeing the game’s development and organization from grassroots to elite levels across the country. About KIIT University KIIT (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology), based in Bhubaneswar, India, is one of the country’s leading universities, renowned for its commitment to inclusive education, innovation, and social impact through its sister institution, KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences).
Tickets Now on Sale for the FIDE World Cup 2025!
The wait is over! Tickets are now available for the opening rounds of the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025, taking place in Goa, India from 1 to 26 November 2025. You can now book your seats for the first two rounds (1 to 6 November 2025) and witness world-class chess up close. This year’s World Cup brings together 206 of the world’s best players, competing for a $2 million prize fund and three qualification spots in the FIDE Candidates 2026.Among the stars in action are World Champion Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Anish Giri, Vincent Keymer, and many more. Choose Your Experience We’ve designed several ticket options to help you enjoy the World Cup in your own way: Playing Hall Ticket:Step into the arena and experience world-class chess up close. You can choose from four time slots to see the action live, including a special Photo Slot that allows limited photography before play begins. Fan Zone Pass:Join live commentary sessions with India’s top chess voices; IM Tania Sachdev, IM Sagar Shah, GM Harshit Raja, GM Sahaj Grover, Amruta Mokal, and Sahil Tickoo. You’ll get to interact with them throughout the day and even meet players who visit the fan zone after their games. Ticket Costs Classical Game Days (1, 2, 4 & 5 November) Playing Hall Tickets: Photo Slot 1 – ₹500 | 2:00 PM (Photography permitted until 3:10 PM) Slot 2 – ₹300 | 4:15 PM Slot 3 – ₹300 | 5:15 PM Slot 4 – ₹300 | 6:15 PM until end of play Fanzone Ticket: ₹1,000 Full-day access to the Fanzone Playoff Days (3 & 6 November) Full Day Ticket: ₹800 Grants full-day access to the playoff rounds, where every move could decide a player’s World Cup journey. Fanzone Ticket: ₹1,000 Full-day access to the Fanzone Terms and Conditions All ticket purchases are final and non-refundable. Internet handling fees may apply per ticket. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time slot. Please do not attend if you feel unwell. Unlawful resale will result in ticket cancellation without refund. Seating is first-come, first-served. Entry to the playing hall is subject to limited capacity. No mobile phones or electronic devices allowed inside (except for Photo Slot 1). Phones must be deposited before entering. Silence must be maintained in the playing hall. Photography is only permitted during Photo Slot 1. Fan Zone Pass grants full-day access. Slot Ticket allows entry only during your chosen time slot Cash-and-carry food counters will be available on-site. The organizer reserves all rights of admission and policy updates. Tickets are limited and selling out quickly, don’t miss your chance to witness the FIDE World Cup 2025 in person. Book your tickets now
Preview: FIDE World Cup 2025 – Goa, India
Two hundred and six of the world’s best chess players from more than 80 countries will descend on Goa, India, this week for the 2025 FIDE World Cup, arguably the most important individual chess event of the year. From October 30 to November 27, players will battle through a gruelling knockout format for a share of the USD 2 million prize fund and, more importantly, the three coveted qualification spots for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament — the gateway to the next World Championship match. “India is not just the ancient home of chess; it is a global modern powerhouse. This World Cup is being held here because India is now a central pillar in the global structure of our sport. For the next four weeks, Goa will not just be a coastal paradise; it will be the Colosseum of Chess. This is where legends are forged and broken, and new champions born – a process that has been dramatically enriched by the incredible new generation of Indian stars,”said Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President The structure of the World Cup is unique within elite chess. It’s an eight-round, single-elimination knockout event, where each match consists of two classical games played under standard time controls. If the score is tied after those, the players return on the third day for a series of rapid and blitz tie-breaks to decide who advances. The top 50 seeds — comprising many of the world’s highest-rated grandmasters — receive byes into the second round, while the remaining 156 competitors begin their campaigns on the afternoon of November 1st. All games will take place in the Resort Rio, Goa’s largest convention hall and a five-star luxury venue just moments from Baga Beach, offering a fittingly grand stage for one of the most prestigious tournaments on the chess calendar. “I’m really excited and looking forward to playing in the World Cup. Anywhere in India is great of course, but I have some nice memories of Goa as I played some junior events there,” declared Gukesh D, current World Champion, one of the favourites, seeded straight into round two. For the first time since 2002, the FIDE World Cup returns to Indian soil. On that occasion, Viswanathan Anand, the legend from Chennai, defeated Rustam Kasimdzhanov in the two-game final held in Hyderabad, a victory that helped cement India’s emergence as a major force in world chess. More than two decades later, India hosts the event from a position of unprecedented strength. The country now boasts D. Gukesh, the reigning World Champion; Olympiad team titles in both the Open and Women’s sections; and Divya Deshmukh, the current Women’s World Cup winner and the only female participant in this year’s World Cup. Add to that a remarkable generation of rising stars — Arjun Erigaisi, R. Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, and others — and India’s chess renaissance will be on full display in Goa. At the top of the starting list stand the three Indian superstars, who will be playing on home soil and must be considered the main favourites for the title. Top seed D. Gukesh arrives in Goa in scintillating form, fresh from a 2927 performance at the European Team Championship, where he won gold on board one and played a decisive role in his team’s overall victory. Arjun Erigaisi, though dropping a few rating points in the same event, has been one of the most consistent elite players this year and will be eager to reaffirm his status among the very best. Meanwhile, R. Praggnanandhaa opted to skip the European Teams altogether, choosing instead to rest and prepare after a demanding Grand Chess Tour final in Brazil, ensuring he comes to Goa fully recharged. Among the international contenders, Germany’s Vincent Keymer stands out as a major threat. Currently world number four on the live rating list, he gained 18 rating points across the European Club Cup and European Team Championship, where he secured silver on board one, just behind Gukesh. Another clear favourite is Anish Giri, the recent Samarkand Grand Swiss winner. In superb form and with his Candidates qualification already secured, Giri enters the World Cup relaxed but motivated — looking to extend his streak after taking bronze at the European Team Championship. “I’m looking forward to playing the World Cup. It’s a great event and a lot of fun. I’ve played a lot of them, and I was actually very near to qualifying once. Although I played very well that year, I still remember losing a semi-final to Peter Svidler. It’s definitely a very tricky qualification path,” Giri said, after winning in Uzbekistan. The American duo of Wesley So and Levon Aronian can never be ruled out in an event of this nature. Wesley So arrives in Goa on the back of a second-place finish at the U.S. Championship, completing an eleven-game unbeaten run. Renowned for his composure and strength in rapid and blitz formats, So’s consistency and knockout experience make him a formidable contender. Levon Aronian, the 2017 World Cup winner, has also enjoyed a resurgent 2025, collecting multiple titles in prestigious events and finishing third — also unbeaten — at the U.S. Championship. Few players in the field can match his combination of creativity, resilience, and experience under pressure. Among other 2700+ players to watch are China’s Wei Yi, India’s Nihal Sarin, and Hungary’s Richard Rapport. All three have delivered impressive performances in recent months, with Wei Yi continuing his steady return to top form, Nihal showing growing maturity and consistency on the elite stage, and Rapport producing dynamic results throughout October. Each will be eager to make a deep run and claim one of the three coveted qualification spots for the 2026 Candidates Tournament. With such a large field, some strong players will begin their campaigns early and face stiff opposition right from Round One, while the top seeds will enter in Round Two. Excelling in classical chess remains essential, but in this knockout format, tie-breaks — rapid and blitz games played under intense
India makes its move: Goa CM Pramod Sawant unveils FIDE World Cup 2025 logo and anthem
206 players from 82 countries to compete as music legend Daler Mehndi lends his voice to an anthem celebrating Goa’s cultural flair Panaji, October 21: A glittering ceremony celebrating Goa’s rich cultural heritage and India’s growing stature as a global chess powerhouse marked the launch of the official logo and anthem of the FIDE World Cup 2025, unveiled by Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant in Goa on Tuesday. Returning to India after 23 years, the prestigious tournament will feature 206 players from 82 countries, with the anthem—voiced by music legend Daler Mehndi—capturing the spirit and vibrancy of Goa. The FIDE World Cup 2025, one of the most prestigious tournaments on the global chess calendar, will be held in North Goa from October 31 to November 27, 2025, bringing together elite players from across the world in a knockout contest for a prize purse of USD 2 million (approx. INR 17.58 crore). While the logo reflects Goa’s vibrant, culturally rich identity—capturing the essence of the state’s coastal charm and the strategic elegance of chess—the anthem, sung by legendary artist Daler Mehndi, adds a touch of grandeur and mystique to the event. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Honb’le Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said, “It is a moment of immense pride for Goa to host the FIDE World Cup 2025, one of the most prestigious events in global chess. This milestone not only reaffirms our state’s commitment to becoming a premier destination for international sport but also celebrates India’s rising prominence on the world chess stage. The official logo and anthem reflect the very soul of Goa — vibrant, creative, and deeply rooted in culture — while capturing the strategic elegance of chess. We are ready to welcome the world’s finest players to our shores for 28 days of top-class competition, camaraderie, and an experience that blends the spirit of Goa with the brilliance of the game.” The logo and anthem launch was also attended by Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister for Art and Culture, Tribal Welfare, and Sports and Youth Affairs, Nitin Narang, President of the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and Dev Patel, Secretary AICF. Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister for Art and Culture, Tribal Welfare, and Sports and Youth Affairs, said, “The FIDE World Cup 2025 is a remarkable opportunity to bring together culture, art, tourism, and sports on one grand stage. Goa has always been known for its vibrant heritage and hospitality, and this event will showcase how seamlessly our cultural identity blends with the global spirit of competition. The World Cup will stand as a testament to Goa’s ability to celebrate excellence — on and off the chessboard — while promoting our state as a world-class destination for sport and tourism.” Complementing the visual identity of the event is its official anthem — a dynamic celebration of India’s strategic prowess and youthful energy. Featuring the Hon’ble Prime Minister in its music video, the anthem brings together the spirit of the nation with the brilliance of chess. Iconic singer Daler Mehndi, known for his powerful and distinctive voice, infuses the anthem with his signature vibrancy, rhythm, and energy. Centered around the empowering theme “It’s Your Move,” the song captures the essence of India’s growing might in world chess while highlighting the vibrancy of its culture. The video also showcases India’s leading chess grandmasters and stars like World Champion D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, Koneru Humpy, Tania Sachdev, and Vidit Gujarati, symbolizing the new generation that is taking Indian chess to unprecedented heights. AICF President Nitin Narang thanked the Goa government for their support for the event and said, “Securing the hosting rights for the FIDE World Cup 2025 is a landmark moment for India and a testament to our growing credibility in the global chess community. Bringing a tournament of this magnitude to our shores — after 23 years — is not just a sporting success, but a proud national achievement. It will give Indian fans a rare opportunity to witness the world’s best players compete on home soil, inspiring a new generation to take up the sport. The anthem, with its energy and emotion, will revitalize chess across the country and take the game from clubs and academies into every home in India.” About the World Cup 2025 logo The logo feature three distinctive trapezoidal panels, the design captures different facets of Goa and the tournament itself. The Green Panel shows a white palm tree with a blue wave at the bottom. The Red Panel boasts of a diamond-shaped checkerboard pattern in white while the Yellow panel has a stylised sun with curved rays, representing Goa’s sunny weather and warm, welcoming vibe.
FIDE World Cup 2025: Round one pairings revealed
The Round One pairings for the 2025 FIDE World Cup in Goa have been released, unveiling a slate of exciting early matchups. While most top seeds are automatically placed into Round 2, the opening round still promises compelling encounters as 156 players battle to advance in this elite knockout event. The tournament features 206 participants and serves as a crucial qualifier for the 2026 Candidates Tournament. The top three finishers in Goa will earn direct spots in that highly exclusive competition — putting immense pressure on every round. A detailed tournament preview will be published closer to the November 1st start date. However, the full list of wildcards, host nominees, and last-minute replacements already deserves special attention. The inclusion of some fantastic rising stars and replacements, ensures a dynamic and unpredictable start to the championship. President Dvorkovich’s wildcards While wildcard invitations represent a small fraction of the overall field, they often spotlight the future stars of the game. Nevertheless, the wildcards—special invitations granted outside the standard qualification paths—make up only a small fraction of the 206-player field. “FIDE always works hard to find ways to give talented players a chance to improve and make their mark. The decision to award invites to these five players is based on a mix of recent performance, high-level potential and their contribution to the sport,” FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said. The wildcard list leans heavily toward youth, featuring promising talents such as GM’s Mishra, Woodward and Oro, and also a very young World Rapid Champion, GM Murzin. By spotlighting young and emerging players, FIDE is clearly using the wildcard system as a developmental tool—investing in future stars and encouraging their continued growth on the world stage. “The World Cup is one of the most difficult and most exciting chess events, given its knockout format, and will be a great opportunity for these players to show their best facing the best,” Dvorkovich added. Let’s take a quick look at the six wildcard invitees—each a rising talent or notable figure who adds depth and intrigue to the 2025 FIDE World Cup line-up. Kirill Alekseenko (Austria) Born in 1997, Kirill Alekseenko is a seasoned grandmaster who began representing Austria in 2023. A GM since 2015, Alekseenko made headlines by breaking into the 2700+ rating club after finishing third in the 2019 FIDE Grand Swiss, a result that earned him a wildcard to the 2020 Candidates Tournament. With a wealth of top-level experience, Alekseenko remains a formidable presence on the circuit. He has recently posted strong performances in several Spanish Open events and is currently one of the highest-rated players not directly qualified for the 2025 World Cup. According to FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky, Alekseenko was awarded a wildcard because he was unable to participate in the Grand Swiss in Samarkand due to “circumstances beyond his control.” Given his proven calibre, awarding him a spot was seen as a fair and justified decision. Aleksey Grebnev (FIDE) Playing under the FIDE flag, Aleksey Grebnev, born in 2006, claimed his place by defeating fellow prodigy, French Grandmaster Marc’Andria Maurizzi, in a two-game classical match held a few days ago in Serbia. The win earned him the last of the six wildcard invitations, all selected by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. Grebnev’s trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. He captured the World Under-18 Championship in 2023, followed by the Asian Junior title in 2024, and most recently triumphed at the Dubai Open. With a current FIDE rating of 2611, the 19-year-old is poised to make a serious impact in Goa. In Grebnev’s case, the selection recognizes both his consistent results and his potential to challenge the world’s best on the biggest stages. Abhimanyu Mishra (USA) Born in 2009 in New Jersey, Abhimanyu Mishra is an American grandmaster widely regarded as one of the most exceptional young talents in global chess. Currently rated 2652, Mishra made history in June 2021 by becoming the youngest grandmaster of all time at just 12 years, 4 months, and 25 days, surpassing the long-standing record held by Sergey Karjakin. Mishra continues to break new ground. At the FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand last month, he defeated reigning World Champion GM D. Gukesh in a gruelling 61-move classical game—becoming the youngest player ever to beat a sitting world champion in a classical format. That landmark victory, along with a series of strong performances throughout the tournament, propelled Mishra into the FIDE Top 100, underlining his credentials as a genuine contender among the world’s top juniors and a rising force on the elite circuit. Volodar Murzin (FIDE) Born in 2006 in Nizhny Tagil, Russia, Volodar Murzin has emerged as one of the brightest young chess talents in recent years. He first gained international attention by winning the European Youth U12 Championship in 2018, followed by a national triumph at the 2020 Russian Junior Championship. Murzin earned the grandmaster title in 2022, but his breakout moment on the world stage came in 2024, when he captured the World Rapid Chess Championship in New York, finishing with an unbeaten score of 10/13. Along the way, he defeated elite players such as Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, and Jan-Krzysztof Duda—a feat that cemented his status as a rising star among the game’s elite. With a current classical rating of 2664, Murzin is now approaching the global top 50, and his rapid ascent makes him a player to watch closely at the 2025 FIDE World Cup. Faustino Oro (Argentina) Born in 2013 in Buenos Aires, Faustino Oro is an Argentine chess prodigy already being hailed as “the Messi of chess.” He began playing in 2020, during the pandemic, and quickly drew global attention by reaching a FIDE rating of 2300 at just 9 years old—the youngest player ever to do so at the time. In June 2024, Oro broke another record by becoming the youngest International Master in history, earning the title at 10 years, 8 months, and 16 days. He continued his rapid rise in September 2025,