Exciting News: India Will Host the 2025 FIDE World Cup – What You Need to Know!

Bengaluru: Exciting news for chess fans! India is primed to host the prestigious FIDE World Cup from October 31 to November 27, 2025. While the official announcement is pending, sources say India is nearly confirmed as the host nation for this significant event.

This year’s World Cup is crucial. The top three finishers will earn a place in the 2026 Candidates tournament. This tournament will determine who gets to challenge Gukesh D for the World Championship title in 2026. Indian stars like Arjun Erigaisi and R. Praggnanandhaa are likely to compete fiercely for a chance at the Candidates, making the possibility of an all-Indian World Championship match quite thrilling.

In the 2023 World Cup, four Indian players reached the quarterfinals, with Praggnanandhaa shining in a historic run to the final. He became the first Indian since Viswanathan Anand to achieve this milestone, qualifying for the Candidates tournament in the process.

Although the venue isn’t confirmed yet, Delhi or Mumbai are strong contenders due to their global connectivity. However, the October-November time frame in Delhi could bring challenges like smog. Still, the All India Chess Federation had previously suggested Delhi as the host for the World Championship.

The last major chess event in India was the 2022 Chess Olympiad. India had shown great ambition by submitting bids to host the 2024 World Championship match between Gukesh D and Ding Liren, but Singapore ultimately won. India’s chess history includes hosting the World Cup in 2002, which Anand won, and the 2000 tournament, also claimed by Anand. The World Cup has evolved significantly since 2005, now featuring 206 players.

India’s chess scene is thriving. In September 2024, the country achieved a historic double gold medal win in the open and women’s sections at the Olympiad. With Gukesh D crowned world champion at just 18, Indian chess is on a high. Hosting the World Cup is a fantastic opportunity to boost interest and participation in chess across the nation.