In a surprising turn of events at the $2 million World Cup in Goa, India, top chess players including Ian Nepomniachtchi, Wesley So, and Hans Niemann faced unexpected defeats against lesser-known opponents. This tournament's knockout format, which emphasizes rapid and blitz tiebreaks, has led to a series of shocking results, highlighting the unpredictable nature of chess. The outcome is significant as it showcases the rising talent in the chess world and raises questions about the dominance of established players.