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India to Host FIDE World Cup 2025 After 23 Years.

Sports | Dated: 22 Jul 2025

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has officially awarded India hosting rights for the 2025 FIDE World Cup, to be held from 30 October to 27 November 2025, marking the first time in 23 years. The tournament features 206 players in a high-stakes single-elimination format, with three qualification spots for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - The 2025 edition marks the return of the prestigious FIDE World Cup to India after a 23-year gap, following the previous hosting in 2002 in Hyderabad, where Viswanathan Anand claimed the title.
  • - Scheduled from 30 October to 27 November, the 29-day event includes 206 competitors in a single-knockout bracket. The top 50 seeded players enter in the second round, while the remaining contestants (51–206) start in round one. Each round spans three days—two classical games followed by rapid/blitz tiebreaks.
  • - The top three finishers will earn coveted spots in the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the final pathway to challenge the reigning world chess champion, adding immense competitive pressure.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) India has witnessed a rapid rise in chess stature—D Gukesh became the youngest-ever world champion in 2024, and the country recently secured gold medals at the 2024 Chess Olympiad. Indian prodigies like Praggnanandhaa (World Cup 2023 runner-up) and Arjun Erigaisi are strong contenders, poised for success at home.
  • (ii) While India has been confirmed as the host nation, the exact city—Goa, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, or Mumbai—is still under deliberation, pending final approval from FIDE and the All India Chess Federation (AICF).

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, which country has been selected to host the FIDE World Cup 2025?

Correct Answer: India

🚀 Quick Recap: