Chess Titans Gather in Goa for FIDE World Cup Showdown

The FIDE World Cup is set to commence in Goa, drawing 206 chess masters from 80 countries to compete for three prized spots in the 2026 Candidates Tournament. The absence of top-ranked Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Fabiano Caruana opens up opportunities for a new set of contenders.

Indian grandmasters R Praggnanandhaa, world champion D Gukesh, and Arjun Erigaisi are among the notable participants eager to demonstrate their prowess. They will be joined by Vidit Gujrathi and Pentala Harikrishna, among others, in a bid to ascend in the chess world.

The tournament promises intense matchups with tie-breakers to settle drawn matches. Players, including top international figures like Dutchman Anish Giri and Germany's Vincent Keymer, are preparing for a fierce contest, showcasing the global and growing talent pool in the world of chess.