India to Host Fide World Cup in 2025: Chance for Indian Chess Players to Shine
India is gearing up to host the prestigious Fide World Cup, set to take place from October 31 to November 27, 2025. The tournament, which will offer the top three finishers a spot in the 2026 Candidates tournament, is expected to draw top players from around the world, including Indian Grandmasters Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa.
The 2023 World Cup saw a remarkable performance from Indian players, with four reaching the quarterfinals and Praggnanandhaa making a historic run to the final. The teenager’s impressive performance earned him a spot in the Candidates tournament, setting the stage for a potential all-Indian World Championship match next year.
While the venue for the tournament is yet to be announced, Delhi or Mumbai are likely contenders given their international connectivity. Concerns about smog in Delhi during the October-November schedule have been raised, but the AICF had previously pitched the city as a host for the World Championship.
India’s hosting of the World Cup comes on the heels of recent successes in chess, including historic gold medals in the Olympiad and the emergence of 18-year-old world champion Gukesh D. The country’s growing prominence in the chess world makes hosting the event a prime opportunity to further boost interest and attract new followers to the game.