TOP10 Games of the World Cup 2025

This list is purely my personal selection, based on what I found most exciting, instructive, or dramatic. Some games feature brilliant tactical battles, others showcase deep strategic ideas, and a few include stunning comebacks or surprising twists. While there were many other great games in the World Cup, these ten caught my attention the most.

As you go through the list, you’ll notice a few recurring themes: aggressive opening choices that lead to unexpected complications, tactical fireworks in the middlegame, and clever ideas or surprising twists that make the games memorable. Each game has something unique to offer, whether it’s a brilliant idea worth studying or simply a thrilling moment that makes you appreciate the beauty of chess.

For those who want to dive deeper, you can check out the full study where all these games are analyzed in detail HERE.

This article presents the games using diagrams, so you can pause and try to find the best moves yourself - a great way to actively engage with the positions. Below each game, I’ve also included a short summary highlighting the key takeaways from the game, so you’ll know exactly what to learn or remember from each encounter.
With that in mind, let’s dive into the Top 10 Games of the FIDE World Cup 2025.

10. Idani (2601) vs Karthikeyan (2662)

Key takeaways:

1. A great lesson in material imbalances. This game offers instructive examples on multiple levels: first, three pawns for a piece, then a queen against three minor pieces, and so on. It shows how imbalances can create dynamic chances and practical opportunities, even when the material count seems unusual.
2. The power of advanced pawns. This game illustrates how far-advanced pawns can become extremely dangerous, as the analysis of the winning plan clearly shows.WHITE TO MOVE

9. Esipenko (2681) vs Yakubboev (2689)

Key takeaways:

1. Psychological resilience is crucial. Esipenko showed how important it is not to be crushed by a previous mistake. A day after a major blunder, he came to the board focused, confident, and delivered a convincing performance. One bad game doesn’t define your strength... it’s how you respond that counts.
2. Simplicity often wins. Esipenko stayed true to his style: methodical, precise, and technically sound. By trading pieces, keeping his forces active, and targeting weaknesses, he smoothly steered the game into a winning endgame. This shows that playing in a style that suits you, combined with solid technique, can be more effective than flashy complications.
3. The classic principle that a rook and bishop are stronger than a rook and knight is clearly illustrated here. Understanding these small imbalances and how to exploit them is a crucial part of technical endgame play.WHITE TO MOVE

8. Adams (2635) vs Lodici (2572)

Key takeaways:

1. Don’t overthink winning positions. When you have a clear advantage and a straightforward path to simplification, take it.
2. Don’t give your opponent extra chances. Avoid unnecessary complications that could reopen the game...they often help only the defending side, not you.BLACK TO MOVE

7. Praggnanadhaa (2768) vs Hovhannisyan (2629)

Key takeaways:

1. An exchange sacrifice is a powerful practical weapon that every ambitious player should have in their repertoire.
2. Pushing pawns serves a dual purpose: claiming more space and generating a threatening pawn ready to promote.
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6. Martinez Alcantara (2644) vs Abdusattorov (2750)

Key takeaway:
1. When you’re in a situation where a draw is enough, you don’t need to play the objectively best moves. It’s often enough to keep the position under control, find solid moves, and avoid unnecessary weaknesses around your king.

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5. Zemlyanskii (2585) vs Bluebaum (2680)

Key takeaways:

1. Perfection isn’t required; practical moves that pressure your opponent are often more effective.
2. Pay attention to the technique in this queen endgame - converting an extra pawn isn’t trivial, but he handles it with precision.
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4. Aronian (2722) vs Aronyak (2514)

Key takeaways:

1. Occasionally, playing an offbeat line can be very useful. It can pull your opponent out of familiar territory and allow you to create original play - especially if you are the higher-rated player.
2. Material isn’t everything. I keep repeating this, and I probably will keep doing so, but it’s really important — especially when the player with extra material has a weak king and their pieces are inactive or poorly coordinated.

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3. Aronian (2722) vs Erigaisi (2769)

Key takeaways:

1. Don’t overvalue the bishop. Players shouldn’t cling to the idea that a bishop is inherently more important than a knight — it always depends on the specific position. We saw this in the game on both sides: Arjun gave up his bishop at the right moment, while Levon didn’t, creating huge problems for himself.
2. Always watch for tactical solutions. You don’t need to calculate everything to the very end — sometimes it’s enough that the position plays itself. If the opponent has a weak king and you can build huge practical pressure, that’s often more than enough.
3. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Even top players occasionally miss seemingly simple tactical shots: it’s natural, so stay confident and keep looking for opportunities.
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2. Mishra (2642) vs Salem (2620)

Key takeaways:

1. Embrace the dynamics. When choosing a sharp opening like the King’s Indian or the Benoni, don’t hold back. Play on the edge, take calculated risks, and be willing to sacrifice an exchange, a piece, or even more if it creates active play. Always look for these opportunities.
2. Simplify under pressure. When you have a weak king and your opponent has active pieces in your territory, look for ways to simplify the position and reduce their attacking potential.
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1. Harikrishna (2690) vs Nesterov (2595)

Key takeaways:

1. It’s not material that decides the outcome, but king safety.
2. The side with a material advantage under heavy pressure should look for opportunities to relieve it, even if that means giving some material back.
3. Improve your worst-placed piece
4. And finally: Petroff is definitely not just a boring opening :)
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What do you think of my picks? Which games stood out to you during the World Cup? Let me know in the comments!