Russian Chess Star Slams Brutal Conditions at FIDE World Cup in Goa

According to a recent report, Russian chess grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi has spoken out about the challenging conditions he faced during the FIDE Chess World Cup held in Goa, India. The event, which took place in November 2025, saw Nepomniachtchi exit the tournament in the second round, and the Russian player has now provided additional details on the difficulties he encountered.

Nepomniachtchi cited the extreme heat and humidity, as well as the persistent mosquitoes and jet lag, as major factors that impacted his performance. He described the hotel accommodations as "one of the worst" he has experienced, with issues such as unstable power and a lack of proper ventilation in the players' lounge. The Russian player also struggled with the local cuisine, finding it difficult to find suitable food options beyond chicken and rice.

While FIDE and the local organizers have stated that Nepomniachtchi did not officially complain about these issues, the player has now shared his perspective through a video on his Telegram channel. He claimed that the venue was the only one in Goa with a suitable conference hall, but that the overall conditions were far from ideal for the players.

Nepomniachtchi's early exit from the World Cup was a disappointment, as he had been seen as one of the favorites to challenge for the title. The challenging conditions in Goa, however, appear to have taken a toll on the Russian grandmaster, who has now expressed his frustration with the tournament's logistics and organization.