The recently introduced trophy for the FIDE World Chess Cup, currently taking place in India, has been named the Viswanathan Anand Trophy to honor the esteemed Indian chess legend and five-time world champion. The unveiling ceremony of the trophy was a grand affair attended by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich in Panjim, Goa.
Nitin Narang, President of the All India Chess Federation (AICF), made the announcement, confirming that the trophy has been dedicated to India’s first Grandmaster.
Narang expressed his pride and joy, stating, “I am extremely proud and delighted to introduce the Viswanathan Anand Cup, the FIDE World Cup (Open) Winner’s Running Trophy, in tribute to the King of Chess and India’s first Grandmaster, Mr. Viswanathan Anand.”
He added, “This perpetual trophy symbolizes the remarkable progress of Indian chess and the outstanding accomplishments and legacy of @vishy64theking, destined to be celebrated and revered for generations, inspiring future chess talents.”
In a social media post, Narang described the trophy as majestic, splendid, and profoundly symbolic in its design, highlighting its portrayal of a peacock – India’s national bird – frozen in a dance pose, a captivating representation that captures the timeless allure of the game.
World Women’s Chess Cup title-holder Divya Deshmukh oversaw the drawing of lots, determining that all players with odd numbers in Round 1 will play with the black pieces.
The tournament boasts a prize pool of USD 2 million and features 206 players from 80 countries vying in eight knockout rounds of classical games. The FIDE World Cup 2025 will allocate three slots for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, a crucial pathway to the next World Championship match.
WHAT’S AT STAKE FOR INDIAN STARS?
The World Cup has emerged as a pivotal event for Indian chess, offering a significant opportunity for the country’s grandmasters to secure berths in the Candidates Tournament. Commencing on October 31, the tournament not only serves as a test of skill and stamina but also as a reflection of the depth and resilience of Indian chess amidst growing global expectations. With the competition taking place on home ground, players are keenly aware of the pressure and privilege of upholding India’s escalating status as a chess powerhouse.
This edition of the Chess World Cup adopts a knockout format inspired by tennis, encompassing a larger participant pool of 206 players. The initial round incorporates a bye system before transitioning into two-game matchups per round, escalating to rapid tiebreakers if necessary. The format demands not only technical precision but also challenges players to maintain peak focus throughout a demanding schedule.
Since its revamp in 2005, the Chess World Cup has favored a knockout structure to determine champions and Candidates