Team Goemkarponn
Panjim: The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 will be hosted in Goa from October 31 to November 27, marking the tournament’s historic return to India after 23 years. The prestigious event will take place at Resort Rio in Bardez, Arpora, bringing together 206 players from 82 countries to compete in a high-stakes knockout format for a total prize pool of $2 million.
The winner will not only claim the coveted World Cup title but also secure one of three qualification spots in the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the gateway to the World Chess Championship.
The tournament boasts a stellar lineup featuring some of the world’s finest chess minds, including Gukesh D, Arjun Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa R, Anish Giri, Wesley So, Vincent Keymer, Hans Niemann, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Richard Rapport, Vidit Gujrathi, and Nihal Sarin, among others.
In a special highlight, 12-year-old Argentinian prodigy Faustino Oro will make history as the youngest participant in the 2025 edition. India’s own rising star Divya Deshmukh has earned a wildcard entry in the Open Section, stepping in after a last-minute withdrawal by another player.
The World Cup’s return to India underscores the nation’s growing influence on the global chess stage, fueled by the meteoric rise of its young grandmasters. Set against Goa’s vibrant culture and scenic beauty, the event promises an unforgettable convergence of intellect, competition, and celebration.
The logo for the FIDE World Cup Goa 2025 embodies Goa’s coastal spirit and the timeless strategy of chess. The green panel features a white palm tree over a blue wave, symbolizing Goa’s tropical landscape. The red panel displays a diamond-shaped checkerboard pattern in white, representing the chessboard. The yellow panel showcases a stylized sun with curved rays, reflecting Goa’s warm, sunny climate and welcoming vibe.
The official anthem, performed by Daler Mehndi, captures the pride and passion of India’s chess renaissance. For the first time, India is not only the host but also the hero, with each Indian player symbolizing a pillar of the nation’s chess legacy talent, tradition, intellect, and inspiration represented by Tania Sachdev, Gukesh D, Humpy Koneru, and Vidit Gujrathi respectively.
The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 in Goa promises to be more than just a tournament it’s a celebration of intellect, culture, and India’s enduring love for the game of kings.
