Business

Titan Launches Limited-Edition Grandmaster Watch Honouring Gukesh Dommaraju as Titan of the Year 2026


Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Titan has announced Indian chess sensation Gukesh Dommaraju as its Titan of the Year 2026, marking the occasion with the launch of a limited-edition Grandmaster wristwatch inspired by his historic achievement as the youngest world chess champion.


The special edition timepiece, titled Gukesh x Grandmaster, draws inspiration from the game of chess, featuring an intricate marquetry dial crafted using tiger eye and black agate stones arranged in a chessboard-like pattern. The watch is housed in a high-polished 316L stainless steel case with rose gold plating, complemented by a refined satin finish that enhances its premium appeal.

Powering the watch is Titanโ€™s in-house automatic movement 7ACO, reflecting the brandโ€™s focus on precision engineering and craftsmanship. The model is strictly limited to 500 individually numbered pieces, making it a collectorโ€™s edition for watch enthusiasts and chess admirers alike.

Priced at โ‚น69,995, the limited-edition Grandmaster watch celebrates not only Gukesh Dommarajuโ€™s remarkable journey in international chess but also Titanโ€™s legacy of honouring excellence and timeless achievement.

Events in Goa

Goa to Host Historic FIDE World Cup 2025 with 206 Players and $2 Million Prize Pool


Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Chess returns to the global spotlight as the FIDE World Cup 2025 heads to Goa, India, from October 30 to November 27. In a high-stakes, eight-round knockout format, 206 of the worldโ€™s strongest players will compete for a $2 million prize fund and three coveted spots in the 2026 Candidates Tournament.

Indiaโ€™s chess rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Last year, Gukesh Dommaraju stunned the world by becoming World Champion. More recently, Divya Deshmukh captured the Womenโ€™s World Cup title, marking a new era in Indian chess. With both the Open and Womenโ€™s teams winning gold at the Chess Olympiad, India has firmly established itself as a global powerhouse.

 Goa, known for its serene beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, offers the perfect backdrop for this world-class tournament. For fans, itโ€™s the ideal setting to witness elite chess alongside a rich cultural experience. For players, itโ€™s a unique blend of focus and inspiration.

Tournament Format

  • Dates: October 30 โ€“ November 27, 2025
  • Players: 206
  • Format: Eight-round knockout
  • Top 50 seeds start in Round 2
  • Match Structure: Two classical games; if tied, rapid & blitz playoffs
  • Top 3 Finishers: Qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament

Leadership Statements

Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President:

โ€œIndia has become one of the strongest chess nations. Hosting the World Cup in Goa is a celebration of this growth and the global appeal of chess.โ€

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India:

โ€œIndia is delighted to host the prestigious FIDE World Cup 2025. I am sure this tournament will showcase thrilling matches and the brilliance of top players from around the world.โ€

Nitin Narang, AICF President:

โ€œThis is a proud moment for Indian chess. The World Cup in Goa will inspire millions and reflect Indiaโ€™s stature as a global hub for the game.โ€

 With more than 90 countries expected to be represented, the FIDE World Cup 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most widely watched and celebrated chess events in history.

Chess fans around the worldโ€”mark your calendars. Goa is calling, and the board is set.