World Chess Champion D Gukesh Returns to Goa for Prestigious FIDE World Cup 2025

Strategic Insights -

World Chess Champion D Gukesh is set to return to his favorite destination, Goa, to lead the Indian contingent at the prestigious FIDE World Cup 2025. Gukesh, who will also be the top seed in the competition, has fond memories of playing in Goa, where he has competed in several junior events. The FIDE World Cup, one of the most prominent tournaments in the global chess calendar, will be held in India after a gap of 23 years and will feature a total of 206 players from 82 countries competing for a prize money of $20,00,000.

Key Takeaways:

  • D Gukesh, the reigning World Chess Champion, will lead the Indian contingent at the FIDE World Cup 2025, which will be held in a North Goa resort from October 31 to November 27, 2025.
  • The tournament will feature 206 players from 82 countries, competing for a prize money of $20,00,000 in a knock-out format.
  • Gukesh has received a bye in the opening round and is likely to face Kazybez Nogerbek of Kazakhstan in the second round.
  • Anish Giri, a Dutch Grandmaster, will also compete in the tournament, having already qualified for the Candidates through the 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss tournament.
  • Giri, who will be the highest ranked foreign player in the competition, will have a little less pressure going into the FIDE World Cup.
  • The tournament will be played in a knock-out format, with the top three finishers qualifying for the Candidates event in 2026.

Statistics:

  • 206 players from 82 countries will participate in the FIDE World Cup 2025.
  • The tournament will have a prize money of $20,00,000.
  • The tournament will be played in a knock-out format.
  • The top three finishers will qualify for the Candidates event in 2026.
  • D Gukesh will be the top seed in the competition.
  • Anish Giri, a Dutch Grandmaster, will be the highest ranked foreign player in the competition.

Sources:

  • United News of India (UNI), Panaji, Oct. 27.