Security Forms Human Cage Around Gukesh at Chess World Cup
A viral video shows six security guards locking arms to form a protective cage around Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh, highlighting his massive fan following at the Chess World Cup 2025 in Goa.
Key Highlights
- D Gukesh receives top-level security amid massive fan craze
- World Champion emphasizes importance of playing in India
- Big names eliminated including Wesley So and Ian Nepomniachtchi
- Gukesh becomes top seed after Carlsen, Nakamura skip tournament
The extraordinary security measures underscore Gukesh’s superstar status since becoming World Champion in December last year. Fans have been in a state of meltdown whenever the chess prodigy arrives or leaves the venue.
Gukesh on Playing in India
The reigning champion expressed his excitement about competing in his home country. Speaking to FIDE, Gukesh said:
“For me this World Cup is a prestigious event in itself, especially happening in India. I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”
“It means a lot to me and actually I miss playing in India. Not many tournaments unfortunately and the last time I played in India was in 2023 at the Chennai Grandmasters. So its been almost two years and its been exciting for me. Always nice to not travel for the tournament,”
Major Upsets in Previous Round
The tournament has seen significant eliminations in Round 3. Wesley So, Ian Nepomniachtchi and Vassily Ivanchuk have been knocked out of the competition.
Nepomniachtchi was particularly frustrated after his defeat to Indian GM Diptayan Ghosh, checking out of his hotel within an hour after the match. The Russian Grandmaster took to his Telegram channel to criticize the playing conditions in Goa.
Young sensation Faustino Oro also exited the tournament, losing to Vidit Gujrathi.
Indian Contenders and Top Seeds
Alongside Gukesh and Vidit, other Indian stars R Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi remain in contention at Resort Rio.
The absence of chess giants Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana, who skipped the tournament, has elevated Gukesh to the top seed position. Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa are now the second and third seeds respectively.
