The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 in Goa has reached a critical juncture, with the Indian contingent pinning its hopes on three remaining players. After the eliminations of Pranav V and Karthik Venkataraman in Game 2 of Round 4, only Arjun Erigaisi, R. Praggnanandhaa, and Pentala Harikrishna are left to carry the nation's flag into the subsequent rounds.
The Indian Challenge in Tiebreaks
On Thursday, November 13, 2025, the action intensified at the Resort Rio Convention Centre. The three Indian Grandmasters are set to face the high-pressure environment of the Round 4 tiebreaks, fighting for their coveted spots in Round 5. Their journey comes after a tough day for Indian chess, which saw two more compatriots bow out.
Pranav Venkatesh was defeated by Uzbekistan's prodigious talent, Nodirbek Yakubboev, in 38 moves while playing with the black pieces. In another match, Karthik succumbed to Vietnam's formidable Le Quang Leim.
The Road to the Candidates Tournament
The stakes at the World Cup could not be higher. The top three finishers in this prestigious event will secure a direct place in the 2026 Candidates Tournament, scheduled to be held in Cyprus. The winner of the Candidates Tournament earns the ultimate right to challenge the reigning World Champion for the crown.
While the Indian trio prepares for their tiebreak battles, several players have already secured their passage to the next round. The list of qualifiers includes José Eduardo Martínez Alcántara, Levon Aronian, Alexander Donchenko, Le Quan Liem, and Nodirbek Yakubboev. Meanwhile, a total of 22 players across 11 boards will decide their fate through the tiebreak system.
A Look Back at the Indian Campaign
The scale of Indian participation in this World Cup was unprecedented, with a record 24 Indian players entering the fray. However, the tournament has been a story of gradual attrition for the home team. The first round witnessed the exit of seven Indian players, followed by another seven in the second round. The third round proved particularly brutal, eliminating five more, including the top seed D. Gukesh and the experienced former Candidates player, Vidit Gujrathi. This means that over the four rounds, a total of 21 Indian participants have been eliminated.
As the focus narrows onto Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa, and Harikrishna, the hopes of a nation rest on their shoulders. Their performance in the tiebreaks will determine if India's remarkable representation at the start of the tournament can be converted into a deep and memorable run for the title.
