India is set to host the prestigious FIDE World Cup 2025, but with only three months left until the event, the specific host city remains a mystery.
India Confirmed, Host City Still Under Wraps
The global chess governing body, FIDE, has once again confirmed that India will be the battleground for this year’s highly anticipated FIDE World Cup. Despite the confirmation, FIDE has yet to announce which Indian city will have the honor of hosting the event.
Speculation has been rife, with Goa frequently mentioned as a strong contender. FIDE’s official statement on Monday simply reiterated, “Further details, including the announcement of the host city, will be released in due course.”
A Strong Indian Contingent Awaits
The tournament is expected to feature a significant Indian presence. FIDE estimates that at least 21 Indian players have qualified for the event out of a total of 206 participants.
This impressive list includes chess legends like five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, who also serves as FIDE Deputy President, and the reigning world champion, D. Gukesh. Other notable Indian qualifiers include Praggnanandhaa R, who secured his spot by finishing second in the 2023 World Cup, Arjun Erigaisi, and Vidit Gujrathi, among many others.
The Lingering Host City Announcement
The delay in naming the host city has become a talking point. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich had previously indicated during Norway Chess earlier this year that an announcement was imminent, perhaps within days.
Initially, India’s capital, New Delhi, was considered as a potential venue. However, concerns arose that led to a re-evaluation of the choice. Dvorkovich clarified that the host city would be determined by the Indian government based on FIDE’s standards, with a joint announcement expected soon.
What We Know About the World Cup
While the venue remains a secret, FIDE has confirmed key details about the tournament itself. The FIDE World Cup 2025 is scheduled to run from October 30 to November 27 this year.
The competition will see 206 players battling it out in a head-to-head, two-game knockout format across eight intense rounds. Each round spans three days, featuring two classical games on the first two days, followed by tie-breaks on the third day if required.
In the initial round, the top 50 seeded players will receive a bye, while players ranked 51 to 206 will compete, with pairings based on a top-half versus reversed-lower-half principle. Crucially, the FIDE World Cup is a gateway event, with the top three finishers earning direct qualification for the prestigious 2026 Candidates Tournament, which ultimately determines the challenger for the World Chess Championship title.
- FIDE World Cup 2025 officially confirmed for India.
- The host city is yet to be announced, with Goa previously a strong contender.
- The tournament is scheduled from October 30 to November 27.
- A strong contingent of 21 Indian players, including Gukesh and Viswanathan Anand, have qualified.
- The top three finishers will qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
As the clock ticks down, the chess world eagerly awaits the final piece of the puzzle: the name of the host city that will welcome these top players.
