The FIDE World Cup 2025, set to take place in Goa from October 30 to November 27, has revealed its list of wildcard entries, spotlighting a mix of rising stars and seasoned champions.
Among the most notable is Divya Deshmukh, reigning FIDE Women’s World Cup winner, who will join 20 other Indian players in the prestigious knockout tournament.
Also making headlines is Faustino Oro, the 11-year-old Argentine prodigy, who becomes the youngest wildcard entrant in the event’s history. American Grandmasters Abhimanyu Mishra—the youngest GM ever—and Andy Woodward have also secured wildcards, alongside World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin and Kirill Alekseenko, who now represents Austria.
The FIDE World Cup, held biennially, features 206 top players competing in mini-match knockouts. At stake are three qualifying spots for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, which will determine the next challenger for the World Championship title.
With World Champion D. Gukesh headlining the Indian contingent, the Goa edition promises high drama, youthful energy, and global attention.
