New Delhi — The ancient battle of minds is returning to India. For the first time in 23 years, India will host the FIDE Chess World Cup, marking a historic moment for the sport in a country where chess is both a tradition and a growing obsession.
The world governing body for chess, FIDE, officially announced that India will host the 2025 Chess World Cup from October 30 to November 27. The venue for the tournament will be announced shortly.
This global event will feature 206 of the world’s top players, including Indian stars D. Gukesh, R. Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi—making it one of the most anticipated tournaments on the international chess calendar.
A Knockout Showdown for Global Supremacy
The tournament will follow a knockout format, with each round spanning three days. One loss, and a player is out—raising the stakes and intensity from the very first round.
FIDE confirmed that the top three finishers will automatically qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the final qualifying stage for the World Chess Championship. The high-stakes event adds a strategic edge to every move and every match.
A Return to Roots: India’s Chess Heritage Rekindled
India last hosted the Chess World Cup in 2002 in Hyderabad, where legendary Indian Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand emerged victorious. His triumph inspired a generation, and now, nearly a quarter century later, a new wave of Indian talent will carry the torch in front of a home crowd.
FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky expressed his excitement in a statement, saying:
“We are thrilled to bring the 2025 World Cup to India—a nation where chess is not just a sport but a cultural phenomenon. The passion for the game here is unmatched, and we expect an unforgettable tournament.”
India’s Rising Stars in the Spotlight
The World Cup 2025 will see India’s golden generation of chess talent step into the global spotlight. Among the frontrunners:
- D. Gukesh, the current World Champion, whose meteoric rise has placed him at the summit of global chess at just 19.
- R. Praggnanandhaa, runner-up of the 2023 World Cup and now a fan-favourite across the globe.
- Arjun Erigaisi, consistently ranked among the world’s top five, whose aggressive style and sharp tactics have earned him a fearsome reputation.
The trio is expected to draw massive support from Indian fans, making the atmosphere electric and the tournament uniquely special.
India’s Chess Boom
India has witnessed a phenomenal rise in chess over the past two decades. Once seen as a niche pursuit, chess now thrives in schools, digital platforms, and national circuits. Online viewership has soared, and young prodigies are emerging from across the country.
The return of the World Cup is expected to further catalyze India’s chess revolution, inspiring young players to dream bigger.
What Lies Ahead
With just over three months to go, anticipation is building. The final venue—whether it’s Delhi, Chennai, or Mumbai—is expected to be announced soon. Massive preparations are underway to ensure a world-class experience for players and fans alike.
FIDE’s decision underscores India’s growing prominence in the global chess community. From nurturing homegrown champions to organizing grand events, India is rapidly becoming a new capital of world chess.
As the countdown begins, the chessboard is set. From October 30, the world will watch as knights, bishops, and queens battle for glory on Indian soil.
Let the games begin.
