Fide Chess World Cup to be Hosted in New Delhi from October 31 to November 27, 2025

The Fide Chess World Cup is set to make a grand return to India, with New Delhi being announced as the host city for the prestigious event from October 31 to November 27. This marks a significant moment for chess enthusiasts in the country, as big-ticket chess makes its way back to India after hosting the Olympiad in 2022.

The tournament, which is a knockout competition held once every two years, will see 206 players from around the world competing for the coveted title. New Delhi was chosen as the host city due to its excellent travel accessibility and logistical advantages, making it an ideal choice for such a prestigious event.

The venue for the World Cup is expected to be either Bharat Mandapam or Yashobhoomi, with Bharat Mandapam being one of the largest convention centers in the country. The venue’s previous experience in hosting major events like the G20 Leaders’ Summit in 2023 makes it a preferred choice for the Chess World Cup.

With a prize fund of around $2 million, the World Cup in New Delhi holds particular significance for the World Championship cycle. The top three players from the tournament will secure a spot in the eight-player, double round-robin Candidates tournament, which will determine the challenger to reigning world champion D Gukesh in the 2026 match.

The previous edition of the World Cup saw Indian player R Praggnanandhaa making history by reaching the final, becoming the first Indian player to do so after Viswanathan Anand. This year’s Women’s World Cup will be held in Batumi, Georgia from July 5-29, running in tandem with the men’s competition.

Chess enthusiasts and players alike are eagerly anticipating the return of the Fide Chess World Cup to India, as the country gears up to host one of the most prestigious events in the world of chess. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development in the world of chess.