FIDE World Cup 2025 named after Indian legend Viswanathan Anand

The tournament, commencing on November 1, will feature 206 players from 82 countries vying for the coveted title and three Candidates 2026 spots

Hyderabad: A vibrant celebration of India and Goa’s rich culture — highlighted by a dazzling light and music show portraying the Spirit and Story of Chess — set the stage for the grand opening of the FIDE World Cup 2025 at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium on Friday.

The ceremony also witnessed the World Cup trophy renamed as the Viswanathan Anand Cup — a masterpiece forged in brass and gold-plated to last a lifetime. The trophy stands as a testament to passion, precision, and perseverance, values synonymous with India’s first world chess champion and his enduring legacy. It will serve as a rolling trophy, passed on to future champions of the FIDE World Cup. The tournament, commencing Saturday, November 1, will feature 206 players from 82 countries vying for the coveted title and three Candidates 2026 spots.

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The FIDE World Cup 2025 was officially declared open by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a letter read out by AICF President Nitin Narang, in which the Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes and said, “…As the Chess World Cup returns to the ‘home of chess’, it feels as though the game has come full circle. India’s growing role as a host to major international sporting events continues and augurs well for both India and the world…I declare the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 open!”

The ceremony was also graced by Hon. Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon. Chief Minister of Goa Dr Pramod Sawant, Hon. Minister for Art & Culture, Tribal Welfare and Sports & Youth Affairs of Goa Dr Ramesh Tawadkar, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, AICF President Nitin Narang, and many other dignitaries and top grand masters participating in the tournament were in attendance.

While the dignitaries unveiled the World Cup trophy, GM Divya Deshmukh, the reigning Women’s Chess World Cup winner, performed the draw of colours ceremony to pick the colours players will be starting off in round 1 with. Since she picked black for the number one player, D Gukesh, all odd-numbered players will begin with black pieces in their matches tomorrow.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Mandaviya praised the AICF and Goa government for hosting the event in India and said, “The last time India hosted the FIDE World Cup, we had less than 10 Grandmasters. Now we have 90, and India holds the Olympiad titles in both open and women’s categories, and the Women’s World Cup title won by Divya Deshmukh. India has come a long way in these 23 years, and I am confident that hosting this World Cup will only help us produce more champions in the future.”

The colourful ceremony began with a performance from Hormuzd Khambata Dance group, followed by ‘Spirit of Goa’ act by Hema Sardesai and a Quadrant Duo performance before the legendary Usha Uthup signed off the evening with one of her trademark performances.

Addressing the gathering, Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said, “Goa is known for its warmth and hospitality and we are very happy to welcome the world’s best chess players here. The state government is actively promoting sports tourism, and hosting events like the FIDE World Cup would only boost our efforts further.”