Hans Niemann Eliminated in Round 2 of the FIDE World Cup 2025

Hans Niemann’s journey at the FIDE World Cup 2025 came to an early end after losing in the Round 2 Rapid tiebreaks against Lodici Lorenzo.

He lost the first tiebreak game and drew the second, which meant elimination from the tournament held in Goa, India.

The FIDE World Cup 2025 is played in a knockout format with a total prize fund of $2,000,000, and the winner earns a coveted spot in the Candidates Tournament — the next step toward challenging for the World Chess Championship. Unfortunately, Hans’s loss means he’s now out of contention for that spot.

Rapid Tiebreak 1

In the first rapid tiebreak, Hans Niemann, playing with the black pieces, made a crucial mistake on move 72. Instead of playing Rg2 or Rg3, he chose Rg1, which turned out to be a costly error. After White’s precise responses — f6 followed by Be3 — the position quickly slipped out of his control.

Rapid Tiebreak 2

In the second tiebreak, Niemann switched to the white pieces and entered the game knowing it was a must-win situation to stay in the event. That pressure must have been enormous. Despite trying to create chances and complicate the position, he couldn’t convert it into a victory, and the game ended in a draw — sealing his elimination.

This tournament was likely Hans Niemann’s last chance to qualify for the Candidates 2026, making this exit even more painful. Still, throughout the FIDE World Cup 2025, he delivered several exciting games that kept fans watching closely.

Even though his journey ends here, it’s clear that Hans Niemann remains one of the most dynamic and unpredictable players on the circuit — and many will be watching to see how he bounces back from this setback.