The 2025 FIDE World Cup has been as dramatic as ever. Top seeds like GM Gukesh D, Ian Nepomniatchtchi, and Anish Giri have been eliminated, but we still have some top 10 stalwarts remaining, as well as many surprise advancers to the Round of 32.

Joining from Goa, FIDE Press Officer IM Michael Rahal helps break it all down. We discuss:

Should we be surprised by the number of upsets?

The performances of veterans like GM Peter Leko (still in) and GM Vasyl Ivanchuk (eliminated)

Whether the reports of poor playing conditions in Goa are well-founded

Key matchups to watch when play resumes tomorrow,  and who might clinch a FIDE Candidates spot

Timestamps for topics discussed are below.

00:00 Introduction and Overview of the World Cup

04:00-  IM Michael Rahal joins 

06:32 Patreon mailbag question- Does the number of upsets suggest that the top players are protected? 

Mentioned: Chessnumbers-data

https://x.com/ChessNumbers/status/1986634183415111831?s=20

Peter Leko interview with Chessbase India-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7Fh1lQBmGI&t=3s

09:00  Notable Matches

11:30 The Impact of Player Preparation and Conditions

15:30 Match Predictions and Player Insights

18:00 Reflections on Chess Legends and Their Influence

23:00 Reflections on Ivanchuk’s Press Conference 

25:00 Reflections on Daniel Naroditsky

28:00 Tournament Conditions and Player Experiences

Tweet from GM Neiksans:

https://x.com/GMNeiksans/status/1986117054911684978?s=20

37:00 Upcoming FIDE Candidates in Cyprus

39:00- Breaking down the brackets

https://www.reddit.com/r/chess/comments/1osncpq/world_cup_2025_pairings_for_final_32/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

46:00 Rest Day Activities and Team Spirit

48:00- Thanks to IM Michael Rahal for joining me! 

Here is how to keep up with him:

X:

https://x.com/Rahal_Michael

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/michaelanthony.rahal/

FIDE YouTube: 

https://www.youtube.com/@FIDE_chess

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