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Goa will host the FIDE World Cup 2025 from October 31 to November 27, featuring 206 players competing for a $2 million prize and 3 qualifying spots for 2026 Candidates Tournament. This eight-round knockout event marks a significant moment for Indian chess, following recent triumphs like D Gukesh's World Championship and team victories at the Chess Olympiad.

A grandmaster chess tournament in New Delhi emphasises silence and concentration, contrasting sharply with the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam in Las Vegas, where spectators reacted boisterously to moves. Players expressed frustration with the distractions caused by the live audience, questioning whether chess is truly ready for such an environment.