Gukesh World Cup champion all set to lead India’s challenge at the FIDE World Cup 2025, beginning this Friday in Goa. The event, returning to India after 23 years, is among the most prestigious competitions on the global chess calendar. With a total prize fund of USD 2 million, the Gukesh World Cup campaign marks a homecoming for the young champion.
Gukesh World Cup 2025: A Special Return to Goa
The 19-year-old grandmaster expressed his excitement about competing once again in Goa — a venue that holds fond memories from his early chess career.
“I am really excited about the World Cup. Playing anywhere in India is great, and I have some great memories of Goa. I played some junior events there, so I’m looking forward to being back,” said Gukesh, who enters the tournament as the top seed.
Gukesh last played in Goa in 2019, finishing 10th in the Category “A” Goa International Open Grandmasters Chess Tournament. This time, he returns not as a rising star, but as the World Champion, ready to make another mark in Indian chess history.
FIDE World Cup Returns to India After 23 Years.
The FIDE World Cup 2025 will be hosted at a luxurious resort in North Goa from October 31 to November 27.
A total of 206 players from 82 countries will participate in this knockout-format tournament.
The top three finishers will qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, which decides the challenger for the next World Championship cycle.
Gukesh has received a bye in the first round and is expected to face Kazybek Nogerbek of Kazakhstan in Round 2.
Anish Giri Among the Top Contenders
Another strong competitor at the Gukesh World Cup 2025 is Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri, who has already secured his spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
With less pressure to qualify, Giri remains one of the biggest international names to watch in the upcoming tournament.
“The World Cup is a great event, and I’m going to play it regardless. It’s fun to play it,” said Giri, who will be the highest-ranked foreign player in the competition.
Giri recalled his previous near miss at qualification:
“Once I got very close to qualifying through the World Cup. I lost the semi-final to Peter Svidler in 2015.”
Gukesh World Cup: High Stakes and Historic Legacy
The FIDE World Cup has followed the knockout format since 2005, testing both skill and stamina.
So far, only two players — Viswanathan Anand (India) and Levon Aronian (Armenia) — have won the prestigious title twice.
This year, Gukesh will aim to etch his name alongside them by clinching his first FIDE World Cup title and cementing his position as India’s new chess icon.
Gukesh World Cup: Firm Favourite to Win FIDE Title.