India, Nov. 1 -- The current world No. 1, Magnus Carlsen is considered by many to be the greatest chess player in history. But to the disappointment of fans, he won't be in action at the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 in Goa. Carlsen is the defending champion, winning the World Cup in 2023. He last claimed the World C'ship title in 2021, but then withdrew from the cycle, saying that he wasn't motivated enough.

Meanwhile, FIDE and Carlsen's relationship has been tense and strained due to issues over the years. Carlsen has been promoting Freestyle Chess, which has strained relations with FIDE. He also damaged relations in last year's World Rapid and Blitz C'ships for his jeans scandal. He also caused controversy in the Blitz final, where he sha...