The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 boasts a prize pool of USD 2M.

The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 is set to be one of the richest knockout chess tournaments of the year, with a staggering total prize fund of US $2,000,000 on offer.

Scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 27 in Goa, India, the tournament will see 206 players from across the globe compete not just for the prestigious title, but also for substantial financial rewards and three qualification spots for the Candidates Tournament 2026.

What makes this tournament particularly attractive is that every single participant is guaranteed prize money, regardless of when they are eliminated. From the winner who takes home $120,000 to first-round losers who receive $3,500, the prize distribution ensures that all players benefit from their participation in this elite event.

Prize Money Breakdown

The prize money distribution at the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 is structured based on how far players progress in the knockout tournament. Here’s the complete breakdown:

Championship Positions:

• Winner: $120,000
• Runner-up: $85,000
• 3rd Place: $60,000
• 4th Place: $50,000

Elimination Rounds:

• Eliminated in Round 6 (Quarterfinals): $35,000 each (4 players) – Total: $140,000
• Eliminated in Round 5: $25,000 each (8 players) – Total: $200,000
• Eliminated in Round 4: $17,000 each (16 players) – Total: $272,000
• Eliminated in Round 3: $11,000 each (32 players) – Total: $352,000
• Eliminated in Round 2: $7,000 each (64 players) – Total: $448,000
• Eliminated in Round 1: $3,500 each (78 players) – Total: $273,000

The prize structure is designed to reward progression through the rounds significantly. Players who reach the quarterfinals earn $35,000, more than ten times what first-round losers receive.

The jump from fourth place ($50,000) to third place ($60,000) is also notable, as the third-place finisher secures a Candidates Tournament spot along with the increased prize money.

The $2 million prize fund represents a substantial investment in professional chess and reflects the tournament’s status as one of the most important events in the calendar.

For many players, especially those from smaller chess federations or developing nations, even reaching the second or third round can provide significant financial support for their chess careers.

Also Read: FIDE World Cup 2025: Pranav V, Pranesh M and Ganguly register wins; Divya Deshmukh falls in opener

Tournament History and Significance

The Chess World Cup has evolved into one of the most prestigious knockout events in chess since its inception.

This 11th edition continues the tradition of providing a direct pathway to the World Championship through Candidates Tournament qualification, making it more than just a lucrative tournament; it’s a stepping stone to chess’s ultimate prize.

The knockout format creates high-stakes drama where a single bad game can end a player’s tournament run, regardless of their rating or reputation.

This unpredictability has produced memorable upsets over the years, with lower-seeded players occasionally making deep runs and earning substantial prize money.

Previous World Cup editions have launched careers and created legends. The 2023 edition saw R Praggnanandhaa reach the finals, eventually losing to Magnus Carlsen but earning worldwide recognition. Such performances not only bring prize money but also open doors to invitations for elite tournaments and sponsorship opportunities.

Also Read: FIDE Chess World Cup 2025: Live streaming, TV channel, where & how to watch?

The 2025 edition holds special significance as it’s being held in India, a nation that has rapidly emerged as a chess superpower.

With World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju leading a 26-player Indian contingent, the home crowd will be hoping to see Indian players make deep runs and claim a significant portion of the $2 million prize pool.

Earlier this year, Divya Deshmukh made history by winning the Women’s World Cup, earning her Grandmaster title, a spot in the Women’s Candidates Tournament, a significant prize purse, and a boost to her FIDE rating.

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