Javokhir Sindarov vs Wei Yi: Who is the favourite to win FIDE Chess World Cup 2025?

Arjun Erigaisi was India’s best performer, reaching the quarters before losing to Wei Yi.

The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 commenced on October 31 and will run until November 27 at the Resort Rio in North Goa. The winner, runner-up and third-place finisher will qualify for the Candidates Tournament 2026.

The first semi-final witnessed an all-Uzbek clash between GM Javokhir Sindarov and GM Nodirbek Yakubboev. Meanwhile, GM Andrey Esipenko faced a challenge from Wei Yi in the second clash of the top four.

After both the classical games ended in a draw for two days in a row, the finalists were decided via tiebreaks on Sunday. Sindarov will now battle it out with Wei in the final, while Esipenko will be up against Yakubboev for an important third-place finish.

On that note, let’s take a look at a few points to predict the winner of the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 between Sindarov and Wei.

The ceremonial first move of the FIDE World Cup Finals Game 1 was made by 🇮🇳 @Abhinav_Bindra, Olympic gold medalist and the first Indian to win an individual Olympic Gold, as he opened the game between 🇺🇿 Javokhir Sindarov and 🇨🇳 Wei Yi, marking the start of the final showdown!… pic.twitter.com/S0FjpNuAhQ

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) November 24, 2025

Javokhir Sindarov vs Wei Yi: Who is the favourite to win FIDE Chess World Cup 2025?

#1 Experience

Javokhir Sindarov achieved his grandmaster title in 2018 and has caused major upsets on a few occasions. Despite his young age of 19, Sindarov holds a high upside potential and could surprise top players.

Wei Yi has been a grandmaster since 2013 and is an accomplished chess player. He emerged as the winner of the Tata Steel Masters in 2024 and is lined up for the biggest victory in his career.

#2 FIDE Rating

World No. 25, Sindarov has a FIDE rating of 2721 and has been proving his merit in the recent tournaments.

Meanwhile, World No. 11, Wei Yi possesses a FIDE rating of 2753 and is a consistent performer in recent years.

Also Read: FIDE Chess World Cup 2025: All you need to know about prize money on offer

#3 Knockout performances

Javokhir Sindarov has done well in the classical format but is still growing in the rapid/blitz format, which demands quick decision-making.

However, tie-break wins over José Eduardo Martínez Alcántara and Nodirbek Yakubboev in the quarter-finals and semis will boost his confidence.

Wei Yi holds command over classical chess and has remained calm to emerge victorious in tiebreak scenarios on many occasions, as evident by his impressive rapid/blitz ratings. He prevailed over Arjun Erigaisi and Andrey Esipenko in the quarterfinal and semifinal, respectively via tie-breaks.

🔥 The FINALS are here!Two players. One title.Who’s your pick to win it all? ♟️⚔️ Tournament Bracket: https://t.co/KoEE0LdcNb📺 Live broadcast: https://t.co/MU3RA8AlbH#FIDEWorldCup #Goa pic.twitter.com/11fOLpURTA

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) November 24, 2025

Conclusion

Overall, Wei Yi holds the edge due to his experience and better rating in both classical and rapid/blitz formats. He is known for his attacking style, creative ideas, and making calculated moves.

Also Read: India miss out on Candidates spots as FIDE Chess World Cup campaign ends in quarters

Who was the finest performer for India at FIDE Chess World Cup 2025?

A total of 24 players represented India in the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025. However, it was a disappointing show, as almost all of them faced an early exit from the tournament. World champion, D Gukesh lost to GM Frederik Svane in the third round.

Arjun Erigaisi was the only bright spot among the Indian players, as he reached the quarter-final stage. After receiving a bye in the first round, he won four consecutive games to book a clash with China’s Wei Yi. However, Yi secured a 2.5 – 1.5 victory over Erigaisi to reach the top four.

Notably, Erigaisi also sustained a loss in the quarter-final of the 2023 edition against the eventual runner-up, R Praggnanandhaa.