FIDE World Cup 2025 Launches in Goa with Anand Cup Tribute

The FIDE World Cup 2025 officially commenced on November 1, 2025, in Goa, India, featuring a spectacular opening ceremony at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium. The event celebrated the region’s vibrant culture through a captivating light and music show that encapsulated the essence of chess. A highlight of the ceremony was the renaming of the World Cup trophy to the Viswanathan Anand Cup, honouring India’s first chess world champion. Crafted from brass and gold-plated, the trophy embodies the values of passion, precision, and perseverance, reflecting Anand’s remarkable legacy in the sport.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the tournament open via a letter read by All India Chess Federation (AICF) President Nitin Narang. In his message, Modi expressed pride in India’s role as a host for significant international sporting events. He stated, “As the Chess World Cup returns to the ‘home of chess’, it feels as though the game has come full circle.” The FIDE World Cup 2025 will run until November 27, 2025, bringing together 206 players from 82 countries competing for a prize pool of $2 million (approximately ₹17.58 crore).

The ceremony included notable attendees such as Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. Mandaviya highlighted India’s impressive growth in chess, noting that when the country last hosted the World Cup 23 years ago, it had fewer than 10 Grandmasters. Now, India boasts 90 Grandmasters and has achieved significant success in international chess competitions.

The opening ceremony showcased a range of performances, including traditional dances and music acts, culminating in a performance by renowned singer Usha Uthup. The festivities set an enthusiastic tone for the tournament, reinforcing Goa’s reputation as a hub for sports tourism.

Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE, emphasized the importance of this event returning to India, stating, “India is not just the ancient home of chess, but one of the greatest modern powerhouses of chess in the world.” His comments reflect the country’s growing influence in the chess community.

The tournament format is designed to enhance competition. Top 50 players received a bye in the opening round, with Turkey’s GM Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus set to face Libya’s CM Nagi Abugenda, the lowest-ranked player. Among Indian competitors, reigning world junior champion Pranav V will compete against Algeria’s Ala Eddine Boulrens. The top seed, World Champion D Gukesh, alongside other notable Indian players, will enter the fray starting November 4.

This year marks a record participation for Indian players, with the possibility of five additional wild cards, potentially increasing Indian representation to 24 participants, the highest in the tournament’s history. Narang expressed optimism about the event’s impact on nurturing future chess talent in India.

In welcoming the players, Goa’s Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar reaffirmed the state’s commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure and promoting tourism through hosting major international events. The successful execution of this World Cup, along with previous events like the National Games, underscores Goa’s capability as a premier destination for global sports.

As the competition unfolds over the coming weeks, all eyes will be on the players as they compete not only for individual glory but also for a place in chess history.