Initially, New Delhi was being considered as the host venue, but concerns around logistics led to a rethink before FIDE finalised Goa as the destination. India had hosted the second edition of the event in Hyderabad way back in 2002. Viswanathan Anand won the first two editions of the World Cup in 2000 and 2002. In the 2023 World Cup played in Baku, Azerbaijan, India's R. Praggnanandhaa finished second behind Magnus Carlsen of Norway.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Confirming the development, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich hailed India\u2019s rise as a chess powerhouse and promised a grand spectacle in Goa.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIndia has become one of the strongest chess nations, with outstanding players and passionate fans. After the success of the FIDE Women\u2019s World Cup held in Georgia earlier this year, we are proud to bring the FIDE World Cup to Goa. It will be a celebration of chess and a unique experience for players and spectators from around the world. The representatives of 90+ countries are expected to take part, and it will be one of the most followed events in chess history,\u201d Dvorkovich said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
A total of 206 participants will battle across eight rounds of knockout play in Goa, chasing a share of the massive USD 2 million prize fund. The event follows the unforgiving win-or-go-home format that has long made the World Cup one of the sport\u2019s most riveting spectacles.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
As per tradition, the top 50 seeds will bypass the opening round, while the rest begin their campaigns from Round 1. Each match will be contested over two classical games, with rapid and blitz tie-breakers to decide the outcome if necessary.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Beyond prize money and titles, the World Cup carries high stakes. The top three finishers will qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, which determines the challenger for the World Championship crown.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
As per tradition, the top 50 seeds will bypass the opening round, while the rest begin their campaigns from Round 1. Each match will be contested over two classical games, with rapid and blitz tie-breakers to decide the outcome if necessary.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The momentum continued in July when Divya Deshmukh captured the Women\u2019s World Cup, marking a historic triumph on the global stage, getting the better of seasoned Koneru Humpy in tie-breaks in the all-Indian final.<\/p>\r\n\r\n