FIDE World Cup 2025 Format Explained: Guide to the World Chess Championships spots

FIDE World Cup 2025 in Goa will feature 206 players competing for a $2 million prize pool.

The FIDE World Cup stands out as one of the most interesting competitions in the calendar as it blends amateurs with experienced campaigners. To appreciate its value, it is important to understand how the format works as it can get confusing sometimes to understand.   

The FIDE World Cup 2025 is a knockout event unlike other events which mostly round robin. A large list of 206 players are set to participate including elites and some top juniors from various federations across the world.

These players qualify through continental tournaments, ratings, nominations by federations, and wildcards. This diverse mix ensures that the World Cup brings together both world-class superstars and rising prodigies.

FIDE World Cup 2025 key details:

• Dates: 31 October to 27 November 2025
• Venue: Goa, India
• Players: 206
• Format: Eight-round knockout
• Top 50 seeds enter from Round 2

FIDE World Cup 2025 match format

Each round is made up of two classical games between the same opponents. The game follows the 90 Minutes time control for the first 40 moves. 30 Minutes time control for the rest of the game thereafter with an increment of 30-second starting from the 1st move.

Also Read: How the FIDE World Cup transformed the path to chess greatness

The player who scores more points (1 for a win, 0.5 for a draw) advances to the next round. If the match ends in a tie, tiebreakers are used.

Here’s how the tiebreaks make things more interesting!

The winners are decided via tiebreakers involving speed chess – rapid, blitz or Armageddon.

Once the classical games end in a tie, the players compete in two rapid games. 25 minutes per player + 10 seconds increment per move. And, if still tied, the time is further reduced: 10 minutes per player + 10 seconds increment per move.

If the rapid stage is tied, two blitz games are played with: 5 minutes per player + 3 seconds increment per move. If still tied, another two blitz games are played with the same time control.

If still undecided, a single sudden-death game is played. This format features some imbalances to ensure the chances to a draw is less to none. White gets more time but must win; Black advances if the game is drawn.

This tiered system ensures that every round produces a decisive winner and the format also mixes different time controls, testing not just talent but also nerves.

What’s at stake for the players?

The tournament has two major rewards for the participants. The top three finishers (two finalists and the winner of the third-place playoff) secure places in the Candidates, which is the gateway to the World Chess Championship.

The event also carries a nice prize pool of USD 2 million in the upcoming 2025 edition. Another great incentive for young and upcoming talents is winning the FIDE World Cup guarantees a Grandmasters title without the need to secure norms.

To conclude the FIDE World Cup format is a perfect blend of classical tradition and modern excitement. It is where legends are tested, and new stars are born.

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