Hyderabad’s Grandmaster Rithvik Qualifies for 2025 Chess World Cup

Grandmaster Raja Rithvik R from Hyderabad has earned a coveted spot in the upcoming FIDE World Cup 2025, following his impressive performance at the Asian Individual Chess Championship 2025 held in Al Ain, UAE, from May 6 to 16. Entering the tournament as the 33rd seed, Rithvik secured 6.5 points out of 9 rounds, finishing in 6th place among 154 participants from 33 countries, including top players from China, Japan, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, Iran, and India.

His tournament record included five wins, three draws, and a single loss, resulting in a performance rating of 2615 and a gain of 8.7 rating points.  This achievement places him among the top 10 finishers, who, according to World Chess Federation rules, automatically qualify for the World Cup.

Expressing his elation, Rithvik stated, “The Asian Championship tested my skills and focus. Competing against some of the best players in Asia and earning a World Cup spot is truly a dream come true.”

Currently pursuing an engineering degree at KL University in Hyderabad, Rithvik trains under coach N Rama Raju at a local chess academy and receives online coaching from Ukrainian Grandmaster Alexander Goloshchapov.

Rithvik's recent accomplishments include silver medals at the Laplagne International Chess Championship and the National Blitz Championship, as well as bronze medals at the Cappelle International Chess Championship and the National Rapid Championship in 2024.

A Jaya Chandra, Secretary of the Telangana State Chess Association, congratulated him, saying, “He has made the state and the country proud with his outstanding performance.”

The FIDE World Cup 2025 is scheduled to be held in India this November, where Rithvik will represent the nation on the global stage.