Perpetual Chess Podcast
Perpetual Chess Podcast
Ben Johnson
Bonus Pod- After Plenty of Upsets- 32 Players Remain in the FIDE World Cup (with IM Michael Rahal from Goa)
45 minutes Posted Nov 10, 2025 at 5:47 pm.
Introduction and Overview of the World Cup
-  IM Michael Rahal joins
Patreon mailbag questionDoes the number of upsets suggest that the top players are protected?
Notable Matches
The Impact of Player Preparation and Conditions
Match Predictions and Player Insights
Reflections on Chess Legends and Their Influence
Reflections on Ivanchuk’s Press Conference
Reflections on Daniel Naroditsky
Tournament Conditions and Player Experiences
Upcoming FIDE Candidates in Cyprus
Breaking down the brackets
Rest Day Activities and Team Spirit
Thanks to IM Michael Rahal for joining me!
0:00
45:46
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Show notes
The 2025 FIDE World Cup has been as dramatic as ever. Top seeds like GM Gukesh D, Ian Nepomniatchtchi, and Anish Giri have been eliminated, but we still have some top 10 stalwarts remaining, as well as many surprise advancers to the Round of 32.
Joining from Goa, FIDE Press Officer IM Michael Rahal helps break it all down. We discuss:
Should we be surprised by the number of upsets?
The performances of veterans like GM Peter Leko (still in) and GM Vasyl Ivanchuk (eliminated)
Whether the reports of poor playing conditions in Goa are well-founded
Key matchups to watch when play resumes tomorrow,  and who might clinch a FIDE Candidates spot
Timestamps for topics discussed are below.
Mentioned: Chessnumbers-data
https://x.com/ChessNumbers/status/1986634183415111831?s=20
Peter Leko interview with Chessbase India-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7Fh1lQBmGI&t=3s
Tweet from GM Neiksans:
https://x.com/GMNeiksans/status/1986117054911684978?s=20
https://www.reddit.com/r/chess/comments/1osncpq/world_cup_2025_pairings_for_final_32/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
Here is how to keep up with him:
X:
https://x.com/Rahal_Michael
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/michaelanthony.rahal/
FIDE YouTube: 
https://www.youtube.com/@FIDE_chess
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