Hold onto your seats, chess fans, because the 2025 FIDE World Cup just got a whole lot more thrilling! In a stunning turn of events, reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju has been knocked out of the tournament by Frederik Svane, marking one of the most jaw-dropping upsets of the competition so far. But that’s not all—round three has been a whirlwind of surprises, with several top-tier grandmasters bidding an early farewell. Among them, Anish Giri fell to Alexander Donchenko, Nodirbek Abdusattorov was outplayed by Jose Martinez, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov lost to Nils Grandelius, and Vladimir Fedoseev was bested by Radoslaw Wojtaszek. And this is the part most people miss: Germany is quietly dominating the scene, with four of their top players—Vincent Keymer, Matthias Bluebaum, Alexander Donchenko, and Svane—still in the running, holding the nation’s top four rankings.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this the rise of a new chess powerhouse, or just a fluke in an unpredictable tournament? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Meanwhile, the drama continues with tiebreaks scheduled for Sunday, November 9, starting at 4:30 a.m. ET / 10:30 CET / 3 p.m. IST. For those eager to catch the action, the event is streaming live on Chess.com/TV, Chess24, Twitch, and YouTube, with detailed game analyses and updates available on our events page (https://www.chess.com/events/2025-fide-world-cup).
Hosted by the dynamic trio of GM David Howell, IM Jovanka Houska, and John Sargent, this tournament is more than just a series of matches—it’s a battle for three coveted spots in the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament. With a staggering $2 million prize fund and 206 players in a single-elimination format, every move counts. Each match consists of two classical games, followed by rapid and blitz tiebreaks if needed, ensuring that only the most resilient players advance.
For beginners, here’s a quick breakdown: The FIDE World Cup is a knockout tournament where players face off in rounds, with losers eliminated immediately. It’s a format that rewards consistency and nerves of steel, making every game a high-stakes affair. And with upsets like these, it’s clear that rankings don’t always predict the outcome—chess is as much about strategy as it is about adaptability.
Stay tuned for our in-depth game analysis, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes photos coming soon. In the meantime, here’s a thought to ponder: Are we witnessing the beginning of a new era in chess, or is this just another chapter in the sport’s long history of unpredictability? Share your predictions and join the debate below. The chessboard is set, and the world is watching—who will emerge victorious in Goa, India, by November 26? Only time will tell.
