A new wave of chess talent is heading to India this fall after FIDE confirmed special invitations to Faustino Oro, Andy Woodward, Abhimanyu Mishra, and Volodar Murzin, alongside established grandmaster Kirill Alekseenko. The FIDE World Cup is set for Goa from October 30 to November 27.
Rising Stars and Established Talent
Mishra, the youngest player ever to earn the grandmaster title, and Woodward, this year’s U.S. Junior Closed champion, come in with momentum after standout performances at the recent FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand, where they placed fifth and seventh. Murzin, the 19-year-old World Rapid champion, is closing in on the 2700 rating mark, currently at 2670. Alekseenko, 28, now representing Austria, previously competed in the 2020/21 Candidates and is a regular at top individual and team events.
The youngest invitee is 11-year-old Argentinian prodigy Faustino Oro, widely known as the Messi of Chess and regarded as one of the brightest emerging players. His presence in the tournament highlights the growing interest and talent in the chess community, particularly among younger players.
FIDE stated that the selection reflects recent results, long-term potential, and contributions to the sport, and emphasized that the World Cup’s knockout format makes it one of the most demanding stages for players to prove themselves. One more invitation will be confirmed before the event begins in November, adding to the excitement surrounding the tournament.
Held every two years, the World Cup brings together 206 leading players in a series of knockout mini-matches. Beyond the trophy and prize fund, the tournament awards three places in the Candidates, which decides the challenger for the world title. This unique combination of high stakes and elite competition is what makes the FIDE World Cup a highlight in the chess calendar.
Fans and chess enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating the tournament, as it promises to showcase both emerging talent and established grandmasters in a thrilling battle for chess supremacy.