Chess World Cup 2025: Thrilling Battles and Rising Stars in Goa
The Chess World Cup 2025, held in the vibrant setting of Goa, India, has been delivering intense excitement as 206 top players vie for glory and coveted spots in the 2026 Candidates Tournament. With a prize fund of USD 2 million and a knockout format, each round is a high-stakes battle where a single loss means elimination.
Indian Stars Face Fierce Challenges
The tournament opened with 17 Indian players still competing after the first round. Among the top seeds were the reigning World Champion D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa. While they started strong, the second round has seen some tough contests. Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa were held to draws by lower-rated opponents, putting pressure on them to secure outright wins in upcoming games to avoid tiebreaks.
One of the most nail-biting encounters features Vidit Gujrathi against 12-year-old Argentine prodigy Faustino Oro. Their classical games ended in draws, setting the stage for a tense tiebreak that could go to rapid, blitz, or even Armageddon formats.
Notable Upsets and Stunning Play
The tournament has witnessed several surprises, including the early exit of some 2700+ rated grandmasters like Ian Nepomniachtchi, Wesley So, and Aravindh Chithambaram. GM Pentala Harikrishna delivered one of the tournament’s highlights by sacrificing his queen in a brilliant game.
On the women’s front, Divya Deshmukh recently emerged as the 2025 FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup champion after defeating Koneru Humpy in an all-Indian final, showcasing India’s growing prominence on the world chess stage.
Goa: A Perfect Host
Set against the scenic backdrop of Goa’s coastal beauty, the World Cup offers not just world-class chess but also a cultural celebration. The event runs from October 30 to November 27, 2025, attracting players and fans worldwide eager to witness unforgettable moments and fierce competition.
As the rounds progress, every game counts, with players fighting not only for prize money but for the prestigious qualification to the Candidates Tournament 2026. The next few days promise even more thrilling games, surprises, and heroic efforts in this grand chess spectacle.
