Ian Nepomniachtchi criticized the playing conditions at Resort Rio after his second-round loss at the 2025 FIDE World Chess Cup in Goa. The Russian grandmaster labeled the Resort Rio venue as substandard, blaming poor accommodations, food, and local humidity for his early exit from the tournament.

Resort Rio owner Anup Shah responded to the criticism, expressing surprise at the grandmaster’s emotional reaction. He defended the venue, stating that complaining about food and tropical conditions like humidity and mosquitoes was unreasonable:

Anup Shah

Anup Shah

Resort Rio owner

“It surprised me, because people should not be commenting on things. Not Grandmasters reacting like this, emotionally. Chess players are supposed to be rational, logical thinkers, and here we have people who complain about humidity. I mean it’s a bit like if I decide to go to Siberia and complain about the cold… There will be mosquitoes here. We’re in a tropical country!

To be complaining about, “Well I’m getting pineapples everyday”. That’s not true, because the standard buffet that is there, that’s for everyone. We’re trying to please everyone. We can’t, for example, just please the Russians or the Iranians or the Turks. We have to create a menu that suits everyone.

It does affect us, because we are doing our level best. But we can’t please everyone. That’s not possible.”

The 2025 FIDE World Chess Cup was held from October 30 to November 26. The knockout tournament featured 206 players and a $2 million prize pool. The event awarded three qualification spots for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.

Credit: ChessBase India