The FIDE World Cup 2025 in Goa, India, made headlines not only for its intense chess battles but also for the swirling controversy over the tournament’s playing conditions. At the centre of the storm, Dutch grandmaster Anish Giri delivered a sharp and hilarious rebuke to critics who slammed the event, famously asking, “Where are the bed bugs?”
The drama began when some players, including the two-time World Championship contender Ian Nepomniachtchi, spoke out about their discomfort. Nepomniachtchi took to Telegram, calling the venue a place “you won’t be sad to leave,” referring to issues like the food, heat, and facilities. Fabiano Caruana, though not even playing in the event, joined the criticism through his second, claiming bedbugs were present in the hotel rooms. This sparked a wave of rumours and panic among fans and commentators.
Anish Giri Stands Up In India’s Support
But Anish Giri was not having any of it. Speaking during a ChessBase India livestream, Giri took a clear stand against the exaggerated complaints. He pointed out that playing in India is just like players from other countries having to adjust when playing abroad. He explained that jet lag and food differences are real challenges, but claimed that the food was reasonably diverse and not overly spicy as feared. He joked about needing mosquito repellent and said he had fully recovered from jet lag. More importantly, he denied any real bedbug problem.
“People who are not even here are saying there are bedbugs,” Anish Giri said humorously. “And now we’re all looking for these bedbugs. Maybe it was just a mosquito flying near the bed that someone confused for a bedbug.” He suggested that the rumour might have started from one person and spread like wildfire without any real evidence. Giri’s sarcasm hit the mark: “Cristian and Fabi are like, ‘We’ve qualified for the Candidates, and now you guys have bedbugs.’ Where are the bedbugs?”
Beyond the bedbug jokes, Giri also laughed off other exaggerated claims, such as the idea that players had to go outside in the heat to use the toilet. He clarified that the toilets were just five metres from the playing hall, a distance hard to beat for convenience. His remarks showed a mix of frustration and good humour, defending the event while addressing misunderstandings.
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Anish Giri took the opportunity to remind everyone that playing chess at a high level anywhere in the world comes with challenges. Jet lag, unfamiliar food, and climates are all part of the game, and players from all countries face them. He drew a balanced analogy, pointing out that Indian players also face hardships playing in cold European conditions without their usual food comforts.
While some complaints were understandable, Giri made it clear that the whole bedbug panic was blown out of proportion. His witty and sharp defence of the tournament and India’s hospitality won praise from fans and many chess insiders.
So let’s focus on the moves on the board, the rising stars, and the thrilling moments chess fans love instead of chasing shadows. India’s FIDE World Cup 2025 deserves to be remembered for the battles played, not the bugs imagined. Anish Giri’s sharp wit and honesty surely made this clear to all watching.
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Also read: FIDE Files A Formal Complaint Against Vladimir Kramnik
