The FIDE World Cup 2025 has officially started in Goa, bringing together some of the world’s best chess players. The championship, last won by Magnus Carlsen in 2023, marks one of the biggest chess events in India since the 2022 Olympiad. It’s not just a prestigious title up for grabs — this event also gives players the chance to qualify for the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026, where the winner will challenge Gukesh Dommaraju for the World Chess Championship crown.
This year’s tournament is the 11th edition under the current format and carries huge importance as three spots in the Candidates are available. However, defending champion Magnus Carlsen is not participating, staying firm on his decision to play fewer classical chess events. Top stars Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana are also skipping the competition, as they have already secured their Candidates spots.
Even without them, the Goa event is filled with excitement, surprises, and rising stars ready to make history.
Let’s look at five key contenders who could dominate the FIDE World Cup 2025:
1. Gukesh Dommaraju — The Home Favorite
The world champion, Gukesh Dommaraju, will be the center of attention as he plays his first major event in India since winning the world title in Singapore last year. His journey in 2025 has been mixed but promising.
- After a strong start at the Tata Steel Masters in the Netherlands, he struggled at the FIDE Grand Swiss, finishing 44th.
- However, he bounced back brilliantly, winning gold at the European Club Cup 2025, defeating players like Anish Giri and Vincent Keymer.
- Gukesh also defeated Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana in rapid games at the Clutch Chess Showdown in the U.S.
He begins the World Cup with a first-round bye, and his early matches could include a challenge against Ediz Gurel from Turkey. If he advances, tough matches against Chinese players and possibly Nodirbek Abdusattorov or Anish Giri could await him in later rounds.
2. R. Praggnanandhaa — The Young Prodigy with a Mission
Praggnanandhaa returns to the World Cup with unfinished business. In 2023, he made it to the final but lost to Carlsen after a remarkable run. This year, his form has been outstanding.
- He has already won three major tournaments — the Tata Steel Masters, Superbet Chess Classic, and UzChess Cup.
- He narrowly missed winning the Sinquefield Cup, finishing second on tiebreaks to Wesley So.
- He currently leads the 2025 FIDE Circuit leaderboard, giving him a strong chance of qualifying for the Candidates regardless of this event.
As the third seed, Praggnanandhaa has an easier start, but later rounds could be challenging, with potential matches against Volodar Murzin, Vincent Keymer, and Arjun Erigaisi. His calm under pressure and tactical strength make him one of the top favorites.
3. Vincent Keymer — The German Star on the Rise
Germany’s Vincent Keymer has had a remarkable 2025 season, climbing to fourth in the world live ratings. His recent wins include:
- The Chennai Grand Masters, where he defeated Anish Giri, Vidit Gujrathi, and Arjun Erigaisi.
- A silver medal at the European Club Championships, just behind Gukesh.
Keymer’s solid play and sharp preparation make him dangerous. He finished just short of qualifying through the Grand Swiss but is determined to secure a Candidates spot here. His draw in Goa could pit him against Nihal Sarin or Karthikeyan Murali before a thrilling quarterfinal clash with Praggnanandhaa.
4. Anish Giri — The Master of Defense
Anish Giri, the Dutch grandmaster, has already qualified for the Candidates after winning the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025, but he’s hungry for more. Known for his precise and defensive style, Giri is one of the hardest players to beat in classical chess.
- He recently performed strongly at the Chennai Grand Masters and continues to show incredible consistency.
- Giri believes that by minimizing his mistakes and turning losses into draws, he can remain a top contender in any tournament.
In Goa, he could face Matthias Bluebaum in round four — a rematch of their Grand Swiss clash — followed by a potential quarterfinal against Wesley So and a semifinal against Gukesh.
5. Wesley So — The Quiet Contender
Wesley So has been among the top chess players for years, though he has qualified for the Candidates only once, back in 2018. Now, he has a golden opportunity to return.
- He recently finished second at the U.S. Championships, behind Fabiano Caruana, without losing a single game.
- His Sinquefield Cup win earlier this year proved that he remains one of the most consistent players in the world.
In Goa, So could face Ian Nepomniachtchi in the fifth round, one of the toughest early challenges in the tournament. If he clears that hurdle, a quarterfinal against Anish Giri could follow.
A Historic Event for Indian Chess
The FIDE World Cup 2025 is not just another tournament — it’s a celebration of India’s growing chess culture.
- India now has multiple world-class players like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Nihal Sarin, all competing at the top level.
- Hosting this event in Goa highlights India’s position as one of the new global centers of chess.
- Fans across the world are excited to see whether India can produce another homegrown champion on its soil.
As the matches begin, all eyes are on Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa to lead India’s challenge. With each round, the intensity will rise, and the dream of qualifying for the Candidates Tournament 2026 will drive every move.
