In a stunning turn at the FIDE World Cup 2025 in Goa, India, Mexican Grandmaster Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara defeated top-seeded Nodirbek Abdusattorov in Round 3 Game 1 on November 7, 2025. This upset puts Martinez in a strong spot to advance, while other matches saw draws and wins that kept fans on edge.
The tournament, hosted at the Resort Rio Convention Centre, features intense knockout battles among the world’s best chess players. With high stakes for qualification to future events, every game counts in this prestigious competition.
Major Upset Shakes Tournament
Martinez Alcantara, rated 2644, played with black pieces against Uzbekistan’s Abdusattorov, who holds a 2750 rating and ranks as the eighth seed. Abdusattorov tried an ambitious opening with a positional exchange sacrifice, but Martinez stayed calm and turned the game around.
The match grew unbalanced as Abdusattorov pushed too hard, allowing Martinez to seize control. This victory marks one of the biggest surprises so far, echoing past upsets like those in the 2023 World Cup where underdogs triumphed.
Experts note that such results highlight the growing parity in global chess. Martinez later shared insights in a post-game analysis, praising his preparation against aggressive plays.
Indian Stars Shine Bright
World Champion D Gukesh, rated 2752, drew with Germany’s Frederik Svane, rated 2638. Svane expressed satisfaction but wished for more pressure on the champion during their first-ever meeting.
Arjun Erigaisi and P Harikrishna delivered strong wins, boosting India’s presence in the tournament. Erigaisi outplayed his opponent with precise endgame tactics, while Harikrishna capitalized on middlegame errors.
Other Indians like Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi also secured draws, keeping their hopes alive for Game 2. India’s deep talent pool, with 10 players in Round 3, reflects the nation’s rise in chess since Viswanathan Anand’s era.
This performance ties into recent successes, such as India’s gold at the 2024 Chess Olympiad, showing consistent growth.
Key Results from Top Boards
Several matches ended in draws, maintaining suspense for the next games. Here is a summary of notable outcomes:
| Player 1 | Rating | Result | Player 2 | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nodirbek Abdusattorov | 2750 | Loss | Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara | 2644 |
| D Gukesh | 2752 | Draw | Frederik Svane | 2638 |
| Arjun Erigaisi | 2771 | Win | Opponent | Varies |
| P Harikrishna | 2695 | Win | Opponent | Varies |
| Praggnanandhaa | 2747 | Draw | Opponent | Varies |
These results set up exciting rematches, with winners needing just a draw to progress in some cases.
Other Surprises and Draws
Anish Giri, a high-rated favorite, settled for a draw, adding to the day’s unpredictability. Lower-seeded players like Lorenzo Lodici held strong against veterans, showing resilience.
In the women’s section, similar patterns emerged with unexpected draws. These outcomes remind fans of the 2021 World Cup, where ties led to thrilling tiebreaks.
Analysts point out that fatigue from earlier rounds, including long tiebreaks, might influence plays. With the event in its third round, players adapt to the knockout format’s pressure.
The tournament’s structure, with rapid and blitz tiebreaks if needed, ensures no easy paths forward.
What Lies Ahead for Round 3
Game 2 on November 8, 2025, will decide who advances to Round 4. Abdusattorov faces a must-win situation, while Gukesh aims to convert his position into a victory.
Fans watch for potential comebacks, drawing parallels to Magnus Carlsen’s recoveries in past cups. The FIDE World Cup 2025 continues to deliver drama, with qualification spots for the Candidates Tournament at stake.
This round’s intensity builds on the event’s history, where champions like Carlsen and Sergey Karjakin emerged.
- Keep an eye on Indian players for more breakthroughs.
- Expect tiebreaks if draws persist.
- Follow live streams for real-time updates.
What do you think about this upset? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to fellow chess fans.
