Javokhir Sindarov Crowned 2025 FIDE World Cup Champion
Javokhir Sindarov is the new FIDE World Cup Champion. He won the title after a tense two-game tiebreak. With this victory, he becomes the youngest player ever to win the World Cup.
The 2025 FIDE World Cup began on November 1st with 206 players. After weeks of intense chess, only two remained: China’s top star Wei Yi and Uzbekistan’s rising hero Javokhir Sindarov. Both had survived tough matches and long days of preparation. Their classical games ended in draws, pushing the fight into rapid tiebreaks. With both players strong in faster time controls, it was impossible to predict a winner.
Earlier in the day, Andrey Esipenko defeated Nodirbek Yakubboev 2–0 in the classical games. He secured third place and also earned a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament. With that match settled, all eyes turned to the final board. GM Dibyendu Barua made the ceremonial first move, adding to the special atmosphere.
As the tiebreak games began, the hall felt electric. The closing ceremony stage was already prepared. Outside, tables were set by the pool for the final gala dinner. But before the celebrations, one last fight had to be finished.
Game 1: A Balanced Battle Turns Wild
Sindarov surprised everyone by avoiding Wei Yi’s Petroff Defence. He opened with 1.d4, leading to a Queen’s Gambit Declined Ragozin. The game stayed equal for a long time, eventually reaching a bishop endgame.
Then came a dramatic moment. Wei Yi played 30…g5, a move that turned out to be a mistake. Almost any bishop move would have kept the position equal. After 31.Be4 in some lines, White could enter a winning endgame.
However, Sindarov played 31.h5, which allowed equality again. Wei Yi immediately corrected his position and guided the game safely to a draw. He later admitted he was sad about his mistake, but he stayed calm for Game 2.
Game 2: Chaos, Time Trouble, and a Final Blunder
The second game began with the Italian Opening. Sindarov, playing Black, used a solid setup. Wei Yi played slightly passively, but the position stayed balanced.
In the middlegame, Sindarov even offered a draw, which Wei Yi declined. Soon the game exploded into a sharp time scramble. Wei pushed f4, a strong but risky move, and got a promising position.
Then came the key moment: Wei Yi missed the winning move 52.Qg6! Instead, he played 52.g4?, and the advantage slipped away.
Sindarov seized the initiative. His rooks and queen began to threaten the white king. Wei Yi survived several moments with just one second on the clock. But eventually, he cracked under pressure.
The only saving move was 57.Kg2. Instead, Wei played 57.Rxd4??, a losing blunder.
Sindarov replied instantly, forcing a winning attack. After 57…Qh4+ 58.Kf4 Re1 59.Qg2 Qg5+ 60.Kg3 Qe3+, Wei Yi resigned. The hall erupted in applause. Sindarov smiled, shook hands, and became the new World Cup Champion.
A Champion’s Moment
Sindarov called this victory the best day of his life. Outside the hall, his family and friends celebrated with cheers. They wrapped the Uzbek flag around him as cameras flashed. It was the perfect ending to a long and emotional tournament.
A Memorable Month in Goa
This World Cup gave us unforgettable stories:
-
José Martínez’s amazing run and win over Nodirbek Abdusattorov
-
Frederik Svane defeating World Champion Gukesh D
-
Daniil Dubov’s viral “10-minute prep”
-
Arjun Erigaisi’s heartbreaking final blunder against Wei Yi
The tournament was full of drama, surprises, and brilliant chess. Most importantly, it produced three new Candidates Qualifiers for next year’s event.
What’s Next?
The chess world now turns to the next big event: The 2025 FIDE Rapid & Blitz Championships in Doha, Qatar, from 26–30 December. Stay tuned for more exciting action!
Photos: Michal Walusza, FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
