World Cup

Participants: 206 players.

The top 50 seeds receive byes into Round 2.

The remaining 156 players start in Round 1.

System: 8-round, Knock-Out

Each round consists of 2 classical games.

If tied, tie-breaks are played on the third day of the round.

Time Control:

Classical Games: 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, then 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment starting from move 1.

Tie-Breaks:

-If tied after 2 regular games, draw colours and play 2 games at 15+10.

-If still tied, draw colours and play 2 games at 10+10.

-If still tied, draw colours and play 2 games at 5+3.If still tied, draw colours and play 2 games at 3+2.

-If still tied, play one sudden death game:

-White: 4+2.

-Both bid for Black’s time (also 2s increment); lowest bid wins and plays Black.

-If bids match, colours decided by drawing of lots.

The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 will be held in India from October 31 to November 27, 2025. This prestigious knockout event features 206 of the world’s top players, with the top three finishers earning qualification spots for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.