FIDE World Cup 2025 LIVE Updates, Round 1 Game 1: 8 Indians get byes; Divya Deshmukh, Pranav V in action for IND in Goa

D. Gukesh, who became the World Champion earlier this year, will make his first appearance and is one of the top-seeded players. Additionally, R. Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, Pentala Harikrishna, and Nihal Sarin will also be part of the Indian contingent. Reigning Women’s World Cup champion Divya Deshmukh is the only female player to have received a wild card, awarded for her extraordinary recent performances.

An unprecedented 24 Indians will take part in this prestigious biennial event. The top 50 seeded players, which includes eight Indians, have received byes for the opening round. As a result, the remaining 16 Indian players will be in action from the start.

The top three finishers in the competition will earn spots in the 2026 Candidates Tournament.

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Grandmasters’ getaway: India’s vacation capital Goa turns into chess arena as it prepares to host the World Cup

A day before the FIDE World Cup kicks off in earnest, a small battalion of about 200 people is working tirelessly at the Resort Rio Convention Centre. (Express Photo by Amit Kamath)

The prestigious FIDE World Cup chess tournament is set to begin at the five-star Resort Rio in Arpora, Goa, a state known as India's vacation capital. Despite the relaxing location, the 156 participating grandmasters will face a brutal competition with no time for leisure, as they battle for three coveted spots in the Candidates Tournament. Working behind the scenes is a dedicated workforce of about 200 people who have spent days and sleepless nights transforming the convention center into a grand arena, reflecting Goa's determination to impress while hosting this major international chess event. (Read more from Amit Kamath)