FIDE World Cup 2025 D Gukesh Top Seed, Followed By Arjun Erigaisi & R Praggnanandhaa

Last Updated:October 14, 2025, 19:46 IST

D Gukesh leads the FIDE World Cup in Goa from October 30, with Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa. Anish Giri is fourth seed. Top three earn 2026 Candidates spots.

D Gukesh. (Picture credit: X @tatasteelchess)

Reigning world champion D Gukesh will be the top seed in the FIDE World Cup, beginning in Goa on October 30, followed by compatriots Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa.

The tournament, concluding on November 27, will feature a collection of top stars, with Denmark’s Anish Giri seeded fourth.

The event boasts a substantial prize purse of USD 2 million and will include 206 participants from around the globe.

In addition to the attractive prizes, players will compete for three spots in the 2026 Candidates Tournament.

The top three finishers in Goa will secure direct spots in the Candidates.

USA’s Wesley So is the fifth seed, followed by Vincent Keymer, Wei Yi, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, and Hans Niemann in that order.

This year, the men’s World Cup is separate from the corresponding women’s tournament, which was held in July and won by Divya Deshmukh.

Her victory earned her the grandmaster title and a place in the 2026 Women’s Candidates.

What Is The Format?

The FIDE World Cup chess tournament will follow an eight-round knockout format, with the top 50 seeds automatically advancing to the second round.

Each round will span three days, featuring two classical games and, if needed, rapid tie-breaks on the third day. The classical games will have a time limit of 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by an additional 30 minutes for the remainder of the game, with a 30-second increment per move starting from move one. If the score is tied, players will compete in rapid format tie-breakers to determine the winner.

What is The Schedule?

The event’s schedule is spread across November. Rounds 1 to 3 will take place from November 1 to 9, followed by a rest day on November 10. Rounds 4 to 6 will run from November 11 to 19, with another rest day on November 20. The final two rounds are scheduled for November 21 to 26.

(With inputs from PTI)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...

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