8 months ago
Wesley So backs Nepo's Goa Chess World Cup complaints
Wesley So, a famous chess player from America, recently spoke about the Chess World Cup held in Goa, India.
He agreed with another chess player, Ian Nepomniachtchi, who complained about the conditions in Goa, like the food and the heat.
Wesley also said he doesn't like the new rules of the World Cup, which make it harder for him to win.
He also talked about D Gukesh, the current world champion, and believes Gukesh can improve and do well in the future.
The World Cup is an important tournament that helps players qualify for the Candidates Tournament, which decides who can challenge the world champion.
Wesley So supported Ian Nepomniachtchi's criticism of the Chess World Cup conditions in Goa.
So criticized the current World Cup format, stating it hasn't suited his style since changes in 2021.
Nepomniachtchi complained about food options, heat, and mosquitoes affecting his performance.
So believes the tournament's location disadvantages players from faraway regions.
D Gukesh, the reigning world champion, has time to prepare and bounce back from his recent form dip.
- Who
- Wesley So, Ian Nepomniachtchi, D Gukesh
- What
- Criticism of Chess World Cup conditions and format
- Where
- Goa, India
- When
- After the recently concluded Chess World Cup in Goa
- Why
- To voice concerns about playing conditions and format changes
Key facts
- Wesley So
- American Grandmaster
- Ian Nepomniachtchi
- Russian Grandmaster
- Chess World Cup
- Held in Goa, India
- Wesley So's Ranking
- 11th in FIDE rankings
- Nepomniachtchi's Complaints
- Food, heat, mosquitoes affected performance
- World Cup Format
- Changed in 2021, now 208 players
- D Gukesh
- Reigning world chess champion
- Candidates Tournament 2026
- Decides challenger for World Chess Championship 2026
Quotes
Wesley So
American Grandmaster and chess player
“FIDE also often hosts it in faraway places, such as Azerbaijan, Eastern Europe, or India, so players living closer have an advantage. You primarily play the World Cup to qualify for the Candidates, but you must win many matches against lower-rated players. One mistake can be very costly. I’ll try to qualify for the Candidates through another route.”
firstpost.com
“I don’t want to make excuses, but ever since the World Cup format changed in 2021, I’ve never played well in it. Earlier, with 128 players, you’d face a 2350-rated player in round one. Now, with 208 players, you face someone rated 2550. Every draw costs you rating points, so it’s very difficult.”
firstpost.com
