The 2025 Chess World Cup in Goa has produced one of the most surprising final line-ups in recent memory, as several established stars fell early and four relative outsiders surged into the semi-finals. With three spots at the 2026 Candidates Tournament on the line, the remaining players—Wei Yi, Andrey Esipenko, Javokhir Sindarov, and Nodirbek Yakubboev—are preparing for what promises to be a defining moment in their careers.
China’s Wei Yi, now 26 and the oldest of the semi-finalists, leads the quartet. Once considered a prodigy due to his fierce tactical style and rapid rise past the 2700 rating barrier, Wei paused his chess career for six years to pursue academics before making a triumphant competitive return in 2024. His quarter-final victory over Arjun Erigaisi came after three tense draws and a grinding 79-move win in which the Indian No. 2 resisted until checkmate.
Wei now faces Russia’s Andrey Esipenko, 23, widely regarded as the leading talent of his country’s new generation. Esipenko reached the semi-finals after eliminating Sam Shankland with an unusual yet effective anti-Philidor setup involving early queenside fianchetto and castling. His rise signals increasing pressure on older Russian mainstays in the global rankings.
The tournament’s youngest semi-finalist, 19-year-old Uzbek star Javokhir Sindarov, continues his steady climb toward the world elite. Despite national teammate and top player Nodirbek Abdusattorov being eliminated early, Uzbekistan remains strongly represented thanks to Sindarov and his semi-final opponent, Nodirbek Yakubboev. At 23, Yakubboev has enjoyed the smoothest route to this stage but remains the least proven at elite level, leading some analysts to question how he might perform if he earns a Candidates spot.
The semi-finals feature a rare all-Uzbek encounter, highlighting the nation’s continued rise as a chess powerhouse. Both Sindarov and Yakubboev now find themselves just one match away from achieving the biggest success of their careers.
Fans can follow the semi-finals live, with platforms offering computer-assisted analysis and expert commentary. Beyond Goa, the global chess calendar remains busy, with the Women’s World Team Championship underway in Spain and national events such as the UK Open Blitz Championship taking place this weekend.
The stage is set for a thrilling finish as four ambitious contenders vie for a chance to compete on chess’s biggest stage in 2026.
