India to Host Fide World Cup 2025: A Landmark Moment for Indian Chess

Bengaluru: India is poised to host one of the most prestigious chess tournaments of the year, the Fide World Cup, from October 31 to November 27, 2025. A senior official from the All India Chess Federation (AICF) confirmed the news to HT, marking a monumental step for chess in the country.

The 2023 World Cup saw Indian prodigy Praggnanandhaa reach the finals, where he faced Magnus Carlsen. Praggnanandhaa’s remarkable performance made him the first Indian since Viswanathan Anand to qualify for the Candidates, cementing India’s rising status in global chess.

While the exact venue for the knockout tournament is yet to be finalized, major cities like Delhi and Mumbai are strong contenders due to their international connectivity. However, Delhi’s air quality during the October-November period could pose challenges, a factor highlighted during AICF’s earlier pitch to host the 2024 World Championship.

India last hosted the World Cup in 2002 in Hyderabad, where Viswanathan Anand emerged victorious. The Chess Olympiad in 2022 and India’s double gold medal win at the 2024 Olympiad have solidified the country’s reputation as a chess powerhouse. The rise of stars like Gukesh D, who became the world champion at just 18, highlights India’s chess renaissance, making this event a unique opportunity to further popularize the sport.

The Fide World Cup, now featuring 206 players, has evolved significantly since its inception. Alongside this tournament, the 2025 chess calendar also includes the Fide Women’s World Cup in Georgia and the World Rapid and Blitz Championship in Qatar.