India's Goa To Host 2025 Chess World Cup With Rs 17.5 Crore Prize Pool

Last Updated:August 26, 2025, 18:32 IST

Goa will host the 2025 FIDE Chess World Cup from October 30 to November 27, with 206 players competing for Rs. 17.5 crore prize pool.

D Gukesh will represent India in the 2025 Chess World Cup.

Goa will host the 2025 FIDE Chess World Cup for the first time. The International Chess Federation announced that the tournament will be played between October 30 and November 27, 2025.

206 players will vie for a share of USD 2,000,000 (around Rs. 17.5 crore) and three places in the 2026 Candidates Tournament. The tournament will be played in the knockout format, where even a single round loss would result in a return home for some of the best players in the world.

“India has become one of the strongest chess nations, with outstanding players and passionate fans," Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President said. “After the success of the FIDE Women’s World Cup held in Georgia earlier this year, we are proud to bring the FIDE World Cup to Goa. It will be a celebration of chess, and a unique experience for players and spectators from around the world. The representatives of 90+ countries are expected to take part, and it will be one of the most followed events in chess history."

Nitin Narang, All India Chess Federation (AICF) President, added: “This is a proud moment for Indian chess, and we are committed to delivering an event that reflects both the passion of our fans and the professionalism of our federation. The World Cup will not only inspire millions across the country but also showcase India’s growing stature as a global hub for chess. We are deeply thankful to FIDE for granting India the honor of hosting the World Cup 2025 in Goa."

Why has Goa been chosen as the Chess World Cup home?

Explaining the decision to pick the Western Indian state for the tournament, FIDE cited Goa’s ‘stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality’ alongside India’s deep connection with the sport.

They name-dropped D Gukesh and Divya Deshmukh for their recent historic wins in the World Championship and the Women’s World Cup, calling India a ‘global force, producing top players and hosting significant tournaments’.

The last and only time India hosted a full Chess World Cup was in 2002 in Hyderabad when Viswanathan Anand became the champion.

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First Published:

August 26, 2025, 18:32 IST

News sports India's Goa To Host 2025 Chess World Cup With Rs 17.5 Crore Prize Pool

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