India is set to host one of the most prestigious chess tournaments, the FIDE World Cup, from October 31 to November 27, 2025. A senior official from the All India Chess Federation (AICF) confirmed the development to Hindustan Times. The biennial marquee event will offer its top three finishers a coveted spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament, which will determine the challenger for the World Championship title.
Path to the 2026 World Championship
The 2026 Candidates will decide who will face reigning World Champion Gukesh D in the title match. With top Indian players like Arjun Erigaisi and R. Praggnanandhaa in contention, the possibility of an all-Indian World Championship final next year cannot be ruled out.
India’s Rising Chess Stars
India’s chess prowess has been on the rise, with four players reaching the quarterfinals of the 2023 World Cup. Praggnanandhaa made history by advancing to the final, where he lost to Magnus Carlsen. The teenager became the first Indian since Viswanathan Anand to achieve this feat, securing a spot in the Candidates Tournament.
Potential Host Cities and Challenges
While the venue for the knockout tournament is yet to be finalized, Delhi and Mumbai are leading contenders due to their international connectivity and infrastructure. However, concerns about Delhi’s air quality during the October-November period could influence the decision. Notably, Delhi was pitched as a potential host for the World Championship in 2024, though Singapore ultimately won the bid.
India’s Chess Legacy
India previously hosted the World Cup in 2002 in Hyderabad, where Viswanathan Anand emerged victorious. This was the second Chess World Cup after Anand’s win in the inaugural event in 2000. The tournament format has since evolved into a 128-player knockout event, becoming an integral part of the World Championship cycle.
India’s Recent Chess Milestones
India’s chess achievements have reached unprecedented heights. In September 2024, the country won historic gold medals in both the open and women’s sections of the Chess Olympiad. Just three months later, 18-year-old Gukesh D claimed the World Championship title, cementing India’s position as a chess powerhouse.
Global Chess Calendar
The 2025 FIDE World Cup will follow other significant events on the global chess calendar, including the FIDE Women’s World Cup in Batumi, Georgia, from July 5-29, and the World Rapid and Blitz Championship in Doha, Qatar, from December 25-31.
A Bright Future for Indian Chess
Hosting the 2025 FIDE World Cup presents India with an opportunity to further popularize chess and inspire the next generation of players. With the country’s growing dominance in the sport, this event is poised to attract global attention and elevate India’s status in the chess world.