India to Host FIDE Chess World Cup 2025
India is set to host the prestigious FIDE Chess World Cup 2025, scheduled from 30 October to 27 November. This significant event will see 206 players from around the globe compete for the coveted title and crucial qualification spots for the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament. The host city for this grand spectacle will be announced shortly.
India to Host FIDE Chess World Cup 2025
India has been granted the honour of hosting the 2025 FIDE Chess World Cup, a testament to the nation's growing prominence in the global chess arena. The tournament, running from 30 October to 27 November, will feature 206 of the world's top chess players.
Tournament Format and Qualification
The FIDE Chess World Cup has adopted a single-elimination format since 2021. Each round spans three days:
- Days 1 & 2: Two classical games are played.
- Day 3: Tie-breaks are held if necessary.
The top three finishers of the 2025 World Cup will secure direct qualification for the 2026 Candidates Tournament. This tournament is pivotal as it determines the challenger for the World Chess Championship title.
A Deep-Rooted Passion for Chess
Emil Sutovsky, CEO of FIDE, expressed his enthusiasm for bringing the event to India, highlighting the country's profound passion and support for chess. "Indian chess fans’ enthusiasm has always been remarkable, and we anticipate great interest in the event among local chess lovers, both on-site and online," Sutovsky stated.
Home Advantage and Indian Contingent
India's strong contingent, including rising stars R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and D Gukesh, will headline the home challenge. The tournament structure provides an advantage to top-seeded players:
- The top 50 players will receive byes in the first round.
- Players seeded from 51 to 206 will compete based on the principle of the ordered top half versus the reversed lower half.
India's Growing Chess Pedigree
India has a proven track record of successfully hosting major chess events, reinforcing its capability to stage a tournament of this magnitude. Recent events include:
- The 2022 Chess Olympiad
- Tata Steel Chess India
- The 2024 World Junior U20 Championships
- The 5th leg of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix in April 2025
These events underscore India's commitment to promoting chess and its ability to provide a world-class platform for international competitions.
