Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Levon Aronian Relaxes, Finds Success at FIDE World Cup in Goa
Levon Aronian is playing in a big chess tournament in Goa, India, but he's not stressed like most players.
Instead, he's treating it like a vacation, exploring the beaches and even taking pictures with cows!
Levon says he's not worried about winning the whole tournament or getting a special spot to play even more chess later.
He just wants to play his best and have fun.
He believes that if you enjoy what you do, good things can happen.
Years ago, a trip to Goa actually changed his life – he decided to stop eating meat after meeting people and seeing the local sights.
He also wears really colorful shirts, which he started wearing because they were cheap when he moved to Germany a long time ago.
Even though he's relaxed, he's still winning games, showing that having fun can be a great way to play!
Levon Aronian is approaching the FIDE World Cup in Goa with a relaxed, vacation-like attitude, exploring the local area.
Unlike many other grandmasters feeling stressed, Aronian is not focused on winning titles or Candidates spots, but on playing his best chess and enjoying himself.
Aronian secured a victory in the fourth round of the tournament, defying the high rate of draws seen on that day.
His distinctive colorful shirts originated from his need for affordable clothing after moving to Germany in 2001.
A previous life-changing trip to Goa in 2002 influenced Aronian to become a vegetarian after a significant conversation and observing local life.
- Who
- Levon Aronian, an Armenia-born American Grandmaster.
- What
- Is participating in the FIDE World Cup with a relaxed, vacation-like approach, exploring Goa and playing his best chess. He secured a victory in the fourth round.
- When
- Currently, during the FIDE World Cup in Goa, India.
- Where
- Goa, India.
- Why
- Aronian is focused on enjoying himself and playing his best chess, drawing inspiration from past positive experiences in Goa, rather than solely aiming for tournament titles or Candidates spots.
- Player
- Levon Aronian
- Tournament
- FIDE World Cup
- Location
- Goa, India
- Aronian's Ambition
- To play his best chess and enjoy himself, not to chase titles or Candidates spots.
- Notable Event Influenced by Goa Visit (2002)
- Stopped eating meat after a conversation and observing local life.
- Signature Style Origin
- Affordable colorful clothing after moving to Germany in 2001.
- Recent Performance
- Secured a victory in the fourth round; won several events this year, including a Freestyle Chess event.