The much-awaited FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 began on Saturday at Resort Rio in North Goa, bringing the prestigious event back to Indian soil after more than two decades. The 11th edition will host 206 of the world’s top chess players competing for glory. The tournament will continue until November 27.
Top 50 players get a first-round bye
Round 1 matches started on November 1, but several big names are sitting out this stage. The top 50 seeded players have received byes into Round 2, which includes top seed D. Gukesh, along with Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa, who are seeded second and third respectively.
However, chess icons Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Fabiano Caruana have chosen to skip the tournament. The stakes remain high, as the top three finishers from this World Cup will earn qualification spots for the Candidates 2026, which will determine who challenges Gukesh for the World Championship title next year.
Anand on favourites and key contenders
Speaking to WION, Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand discussed the upcoming battles and his views on the likely contenders. While he avoided naming a specific favourite, he pointed out that Arjun Erigaisi “needs to win the tournament the most.”
Anand explained, “I think of the Indians, Arjun needs to win this tournament the most. And perhaps one of the other youngsters from India, I mean, there are quite a few, they really need this to nail this qualifying opportunity.”
He also mentioned German Grandmaster Vincent Keymer as another strong contender. “And from the others, I would pick Vincent Kyma. He's having a spectacular year right now, and he narrowly missed qualification. So I think he would really love to qualify here,” Anand said.
Divya Deshmukh gets wild card entry
Among the Indian participants, Divya Deshmukh, the Women’s World Cup winner, has received a wild card entry into the event. Anand praised her boldness for competing in the open section.
“I think she's (Divya) very impressive. She's had a spectacular year and it really culminated in the World Cup, but subsequently as well. She's rising up the rankings and she's taking on these bold challenges. I mean, playing in the open section is going to be difficult, but I applaud her willingness to take part and push herself,” Anand said.
Format and schedule
The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 follows an eight-round knockout format. Players eliminated in the semifinals will battle for third place. With a mix of experienced grandmasters and emerging stars, the Goa edition promises intense matches and global attention.