India will host the World Cup Fide 2025, one of the most prestigious World Chess tournaments, from October 30 to November 27, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) on Monday announced. The host city has to be confirmed and will be named “at the right time”.
At the tournament, 206 players in Knockout format, with three places available for the 2026 candidate tournament – an event that decides on another Challenger for the World Chess Championship. This means that the first time India will host the World Cup since 2002, when Viswanathan Anand won the title in Hyderabad.
The format that has existed since 2021 consists of a structure with one elimination. Each round extends for three days – the first two days are reserved for classic games and played on the third day if necessary. The TOP 50 seeds will be goodbye in the opening round, while those inoculated 51 to 206 will play in the first round, paired on the basis of the “upper half versus inverted lower half”.
Among the leading names, which are expected to compete, include the ruling World Championship D Gukesh, 2023 World Cup R Pragggnanandhaa and World Figure Arjun Erigaisi. World number one Magnus Carlsen, who won the last edition in 2023, also qualified for this year’s tournament.
“The three best finishes of the 2025 World Cup will get a direct qualification for the 2026 candidates tournament,” Fide confirmed.
India has strengthened its reputation as a growing powerhouse in the chess world, in recent years has organized several major events, including the chess Olympics 2022, Tata Steel Chess India, World Junior Championship U20 2024 and 5.
“We are excited to bring the World Cup Fide 2025 to India, a country with a deeply rooted passion and chess support,” said Emil Sutovsky, CEO of Fide. “The enthusiasm of Indian chess fans has always been remarkable and we expect great interest in the event between local chess lovers, both on the spot and online.”
With his top talents, among the elite and sport, which enjoys widespread popularity, the World Cup 2025 promises to be an indicative opportunity for Indian chess and an exciting example of global excellence.
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Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
21 July 2025
