FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 Continues in Goa as Round 3 Begins
The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 has entered the third round in Arpora, Goa, marking a major milestone in one of the most competitive editions of the tournament. What began with 206 players from around the world, including 24 Indian entrants, has now narrowed to 64 chess professionals fighting for progress in the global championship ladder. The continued presence of 10 Indian players in the main draw reflects the sharp rise in India’s international chess dominance.
Goa, a state traditionally known for tourism and coastal culture, is now in global headlines as the host of a premier sporting event. The tournament has brought world-class grandmasters, international spectators, chess federations, and broadcast media to the state, solidifying Goa’s growing reputation as a destination for global sports.
Strong Start for Indian Contingent
Five Indian players advanced smoothly after securing 1.5–0.5 victories in their two-game classical matches. D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, Pentala Harikrishna, Diptayan Ghosh, and Karthik Venkataraman registered comfortable wins and qualified directly for Round 3. Their classical performances underline India’s strength in positional play, preparation depth, and endgame consistency.
The remaining qualified group R. Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi, Pranav V, Pranesh M, and SL Narayanan had to play rapid and blitz tiebreaks to secure their spots. For chess spectators, tie-break rounds brought dramatic finish positions, time pressure battles, and tactical complexity. The Indian team’s successful navigation of high-pressure games has been noted as one of the most impressive collective performances of the tournament so far.
With 10 Indians among the final 64, this edition of the FIDE World Cup stands out as one of India’s strongest showings. For a country that has rapidly risen to global chess prominence, the Goa World Cup further reinforces India’s depth of talent.
Goa’s First Major Global Chess Championship
The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 is being held in Arpora, a quiet town in North Goa. The competition venue has been transformed into a professional arena with broadcast infrastructure, game analysis rooms, audience seating, and streaming capabilities. Live commentary and international coverage have drawn significant online viewership, and local audiences have shown strong participation in daily matches.
Hosting a global chess event of this scale reflects the state’s growing interest in competitive sports, indoor championships, and intellectual events. With participants and teams arriving from several countries, Goa has also seen an economic boost through hospitality, tourism services, and international sporting engagement.
The World Cup format based on knockouts, classical rounds, rapid tie-breakers, and sudden-death blitz keeps the Goa event intense and viewer-friendly. Each round sees half the field eliminated, increasing the pressure and competitive quality as the event progresses.
Rising Global Attention on Indian Chess
The progress of Indian players has been a focal point for sports media worldwide. Grandmasters like Gukesh, Erigaisi, and Praggnanandhaa are viewed as future world title contenders, and their consistent advancement has sparked significant excitement among fans.
Indian chess has experienced record growth in recent years, with young players entering analytical training programmes, international camps, and high-level tournaments. The World Cup in Goa offers home ground advantage familiar playing conditions, large Indian fan attendance, and national morale on the rise. Every round win also brings opportunities for players to secure FIDE ranking points, international exposure, and qualification for world championship cycles.
Arpora Turns into a Global Sporting Venue
For Goa, hosting the World Cup brings long-term benefits. The success of this event supports the state’s interest in becoming a multi-sport destination capable of hosting chess Olympiads, indoor championships, and international sports tourism. Local organisers have ensured professional arrangements, fair-play protocols, and technology support, earning positive feedback from FIDE officials and participants.
Hotels, restaurants, logistics companies, and event suppliers have experienced increased activity throughout the tournament. Media coverage from multiple countries has also drawn attention to Goa’s sports infrastructure and international hospitality standards.
What Comes Next in Round 3
As Round 3 begins, matchups will become tougher. Higher-seeded grandmasters, former world championship challengers, and emerging talents now face direct elimination pressure. For Indian players, progressing deeper into the tournament can lead to breakthrough career rankings and qualification pathways.
Chess analysts predict that the Indian contingent has realistic chances of reaching the round of 16 and beyond, based on current form. Live updates, commentary and game broadcasts will continue to attract large national and global audiences in the days ahead.
The tournament will proceed with classical matches, followed by tie-breakers when necessary, until the final champion is crowned in Goa.
A Landmark Moment for Chess and Goa
The 2025 FIDE Chess World Cup marks a landmark chapter for both Indian chess and Goa’s sports calendar. From introducing international spectators to the region to generating enthusiasm among local students and new chess learners, the event has created a long-term impact. Schools, chess academies, and sporting organisations have responded with interest, viewing this tournament as an inspiration for the next generation of players.
With the competition now entering the crucial middle stage, Goa continues to stand at the centre of global chess attention. The coming rounds will test strategy, resilience, and high-level preparation — and the world will be watching.
