While most chess grandmasters at the FIDE World Cup in Goa show visible signs of stress and intense preparation, Levon Aronian stands out as the exception. The Armenian-American grandmaster appears more like a tourist enjoying a vacation than a competitor fighting for one of three coveted Candidates tournament spots.
The Unconventional Champion
As the tournament reached its critical middle stages in November 2025, Aronian demonstrated remarkable composure while other players struggled with nerves. The World Cup has witnessed unprecedented upsets with numerous 2700+ rated players falling to lower-rated opponents, creating what many describe as carnage among the elite.
Unlike his peers who spend hours confined to hotel rooms analyzing chess lines, Aronian has been exploring Goa's beaches, taking selfies with cows, and dining at Armenian restaurants with his wife and friends. This relaxed approach seems to be working wonders for his game. On Tuesday, during the fourth round, he was one of only two players to secure a victory, defeating Polish grandmaster Radoslaw Wojtaszek while 14 out of 16 other matches ended in draws.
No Ambitions, Just Enjoyment
In conversations with The Indian Express before the tournament began, Aronian made his intentions clear. "I just don't have any ambition of proving or showing the world that I'm a good chess player," he stated. "I'm not in Goa chasing the three Candidates spots or the title either."
The grandmaster emphasized that his only goal is to play his best chess while enjoying the experience. "My only ambition is to try and play my best chess. I know I can play good chess, so I'm relaxed. And if things work out, I'll be happy to win events, I'll be happy to play in World Championship matches or become let's say the defender of the galaxy against the aliens. But it has to come naturally," Aronian explained with characteristic humor.
This philosophy appears well-founded given his successful year, which includes victories at several events, including a Freestyle Chess tournament. His current form suggests that Goa might once again change his perspective on competitive ambitions.
Goa's Transformative Influence
This isn't the first time Goa has significantly impacted Aronian's life and career. Back in 2002, when he participated in the World Junior Championship (U20), he had decided it would be his final tournament. Against all expectations, he won the event and never abandoned chess, marking a turning point in his professional journey.
That initial visit to Goa brought even more profound personal changes. "It's a very different circumstance now," Aronian recalled. "The last time I came here, I met a couple of people, just regular people. I was walking around, and I went inside some little temple. There was a guy there, who I started talking to. Just a 10-minute conversation. But that chat influenced my philosophical understanding."
This encounter, combined with observing cows freely roaming Goan beaches, led to a major lifestyle change. Aronian stopped eating meat after that 2002 visit, though he continues to consume fish. "Those conversations changed my life. As did coming to Goa," he reflected.
Colorful Personality and Style
Aronian has long been recognized as a vibrant presence in the traditionally serious world of professional chess. His flamboyant shirts have become as distinctive as his jovial personality and creative playing style.
The story behind his colorful fashion choices traces back to practical circumstances. "My family moved to Germany from Armenia at the end of 2001. I didn't really have too many things to wear," he shared. "So I went to some stores, and I couldn't really afford to buy many things. But I realized that all these colorful things on the shelves were very cheap. I guess because in Germany, maybe people don't wear colorful, flashy things. So, that basically became my style."
This unconventional approach extends to his perspective on chess and aging in the sport. "Throughout my career, I saw players who were 18 and I felt, 'okay, this guy is about to retire'. I mean, their chess was so old-fashioned. There was so much effort in their play," Aronian observed. "And then you see some players who are over 40 and they were always playing very relaxed chess. You can see that they're very young (mentally)."
As the World Cup progresses, Aronian continues to demonstrate that success in elite chess doesn't necessarily require relentless ambition and stress. His Goa vacation approach, combined with exceptional skill, might just carry him further than players with more conventional preparation methods and overwhelming pressure to succeed.
