FIDE World Cup 2025: Indian Stars Ready for a Grand Show in Goa – Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa will be looking to recreate his magic as he gears up for the FIDE World Cup, which begins this Saturday in Goa. The tournament promises high drama, featuring a strong line-up – though notably without the world’s top three players, Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Fabiano Caruana.
A Strong Indian Line-Up
With those big names missing, all eyes turn to India’s brightest stars – world champion D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and Praggnanandhaa himself. The event, boasting a massive USD 2 million prize pool, is one of the most prestigious on the chess calendar.
More importantly, it offers three qualification spots for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament, which will decide who gets to challenge for the World Championship title next year.
The Format and What’s at Stake
A total of 206 top players from 80 countries will compete over the next four weeks in a knockout format. Each match consists of two classical games, and if tied, players return on the third day for rapid and blitz tiebreaks.
For Gukesh, the stakes are lower – as the reigning world champion, he’s already secured his place in the next title match. Praggnanandhaa is nearly assured of a Candidate’s spot, while Erigaisi is still chasing his big break.
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A Golden Phase for Indian Chess
Indian chess is witnessing a golden era. The country recently won the Chess Olympiad in both Open and Women’s sections, Gukesh claimed the World Championship, and Divya Deshmukh lifted the Women’s World Cup. Now, with the World Cup being held on home soil, it’s another big chance for India’s top talents to shine.
Players To Watch Out for in the FIDE World Cup 2025:
Here’s a look at some of the biggest names set to make headlines in Goa:
1. R Praggnanandhaa:
Fearless and confident, Pragg will look to build on his strong form and make another deep run. He remains one of India’s best hopes for the title.
2. D Gukesh
The reigning world champion doesn’t need to qualify, but playing in front of home fans, Gukesh will still be determined to dominate the field.
3. Arjun Erigaisi:
Aggressive and ambitious, Arjun is focused on securing his Candidates spot. His attacking style makes him a major threat to any opponent.
4. Vidit Gujrathi
Experienced and composed, Vidit’s consistency could carry him far in the knockout rounds. He’ll be aiming for one of those three precious Candidates’ berths.
5. Pentala Harikrishna:
One of India’s most seasoned players, Harikrishna’s deep preparation and strategic play make him a solid contender for a strong finish.
6. Nihal Sarin:
Known for his calmness and rapid-fire instincts, Nihal is particularly dangerous in tiebreaks and could pull off some big upsets.
7. Anish Giri:
The Dutch grandmaster, who secured his Candidates spot by winning the Grand Swiss, enters as one of the most experienced and well-prepared players in the field.
8. Vincent Keymer:
The German prodigy is in excellent form and eager to prove himself against the world’s elite.
9. Nodirbek Abdusattorov:
The young Uzbek sensation, renowned for his brilliance in faster formats, is one of the tournament’s biggest dark horses.
Record Indian Participation
This year marks India’s largest-ever representation at the World Cup, with 24 players taking part. The top 50-ranked players have received direct entry into the second round, while the remaining 156 will battle it out in round one. The 78 winners from that stage will join the top 50, forming a 128-player pool for round two.
With so much Indian talent in top form and several global stars joining the fray, the FIDE World Cup 2025 promises to be a spectacular showdown – and the fans in Goa can expect a thrilling few weeks of world-class chess action.
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