FIDE World Cup 2025 logo and anthem unveiled as India set to host its biggest chess event after 23 years

In a vibrant celebration of Goa’s culture and India’s growing global influence in chess, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Tuesday unveiled the official logo and anthem of the FIDE World Cup 2025, marking the tournament’s return to India after 23 years.

The event, set to take place in North Goa from October 31 to November 27, 2025, will see 206 players from 82 countries vying for a prize purse of USD 2 million (Rs 17.58 crore).


The anthem, titled “It’s Your Move”, features the iconic voice of music legend Daler Mehndi, blending the vibrancy of Goa with India’s strategic excellence in chess.

The accompanying music video also features the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top Indian grandmasters, including World Champion D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, Koneru Humpy, and Vidit Gujarathi.

“It is a moment of immense pride for Goa to host the FIDE World Cup 2025,” said Sawant. “This milestone celebrates India’s rising prominence on the world chess stage. The logo and anthem reflect the very soul of Goa — vibrant, creative, and deeply rooted in culture — while capturing the strategic elegance of chess.”

The tournament will also see 12-year-old Argentinian prodigy Faustino Oro, dubbed the “Messi of Chess”, become the youngest competitor in the 2025 edition.

AICF President Nitin Narang called the event a “landmark moment” for Indian chess.

“Bringing the World Cup back to India after 23 years is a proud national achievement,” he said.

Dr Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister for Art and Culture, added, “The World Cup will showcase how seamlessly Goa’s cultural identity blends with the global spirit of competition.”

The top three finishers will qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the gateway to the World Chess Championship.