World Cup 2025: How good are the chances for the favourites?

The first round of the World Cup will begin in Goa, India, on 1 November at 15:00 local time. A total of 206 players will compete; the oldest participant is 65-year-old Igor Efimov, while the youngest is Faustino Oro, who turned 12 in October. The prize money totals 2 million US dollars, and the top three finishers will qualify for the Candidates Tournament. Matches will consist of two games, with rapid chess and blitz tiebreaks following a 1–1 score. The loser is eliminated. Vincent Keymer is officially seeded 6th, but according to the live world rankings, he is effectively ranked 1st. So, how good are his chances of finishing in the top three? | Photo: FIDE