India to host FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 in November

The event will serve as a qualifier for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.

India is gearing up to host the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 this November, marking a landmark return of the prestigious tournament to Indian soil after a long gap. The prestigious World Cup will take place from October 30 to November 27, 2025

The last time India hosted the Chess World Cup was in 2002 in Hyderabad. Now, 23 years later, the country is set to welcome the world’s finest chess talents once again, reaffirming their place as a rising global chess powerhouse.

The event, officially confirmed by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the All India Chess Federation (AICF), will feature 112 players in the Open section and 94 in the Women’s section. These top talents will compete in a knockout format, fighting not only for the title but also for a place in the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament.

India’s selection as host comes as no surprise given its meteoric rise in the global chess scene. With prodigies like Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh, and Vaishali joining legends like Viswanathan Anand, India has become a dominant force in international chess over the last decade.

Hosting the World Cup once again highlights India’s growing chess culture and infrastructure. It also reflects FIDE’s confidence in India as a host, and its commitment to expanding the reach of the game in regions where chess has long been more than a sport; it’s a legacy.

A platform for chess excellence

The FIDE World Cup is one of the most significant knockout-format events in international chess. Known not only for its competitive intensity but also for its role in the World Championship cycle, the tournament determines two of the Candidates spots in both the Open and Women’s sections.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich lauded India’s growing contribution to the global chess community, calling the decision to host the World Cup in India a “logical step” given the country’s meteoric rise in the sport.

India’s rise on the global chess map

From producing legends like Viswanathan Anand to the rise of young prodigies such as R Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh Dommaraju, Arjun Erigaisi, and Vaishali Rameshbabu, India has become a hotbed of talent.

The country’s recent performances in global events, including its historic win at the Chess Olympiad in 2020 (joint gold), have solidified its place as a global chess powerhouse.

Hosting the World Cup is yet another feather in AICF’s cap, which has recently undertaken several grassroots and international initiatives to popularize chess further in the country.

India has more potential. FIDE also acknowledges this. That is why they trust us. Yeah, they have faith in the Federation of India,” a senior AICF official told Times of India regarding India hosting the 2025 FIDE Chess World Cup

What to Expect

Format: Knockout structure, with two-game classical matches per round followed by rapid/blitz tiebreaks if required.

Duration: Approximately three weeks (starting early November 2025).

Candidates Qualification: The Top three finishers in each section (Open and Women’s) will qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.

Prize Pool: Expected to exceed previous editions, highlighting FIDE’s and AICF’s commitment to making this one of the grandest editions in history.

Apart from the sporting glory, the event is expected to provide a massive boost to sports tourism and youth engagement. FIDE and AICF have expressed intentions to involve school-level chess activities, workshops, and community tournaments around the main event.

With the countdown to November underway, all eyes will be on India as it prepares to welcome the world’s finest chess minds. As the host nation, India not only showcases its growing dominance in the game but also reinforces its role as a global hub for chess excellence.

The 2025 FIDE World Cup promises high-stakes drama, international attention, and a celebration of the strategic sport that continues to thrive on Indian soil.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram