The FIDE World Chess Cup 2025, which officially began in Panjim, Goa, received a historic touch on Friday.
As its new trophy was named the “Viswanathan Anand Trophy” — a tribute to India’s first Grandmaster and five-time World Champion, Viswanathan Anand. The glittering trophy was unveiled at a grand opening ceremony attended by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich.
Announcing the move, All India Chess Federation (AICF) President Nitin Narang said, “We are extremely proud to dedicate the Viswanathan Anand Cup — the FIDE World Cup (Open) Winner’s Running Trophy — to the King of Chess. This symbolises India’s rise in the chess world and the lasting legacy of Anand.”
Designed with intricate symbolism, the trophy features a dancing peacock, India’s national bird, representing elegance, precision, and the timeless beauty of chess. At the ceremony, Women’s World Cup champion Divya Deshmukh conducted the draw of lots, determining that odd-numbered players in Round 1 would play with the black pieces.
The $2 million event features 206 players from 80 nations competing over eight knockout rounds. Three of the top finishers will qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, which decides the challenger for the next World Chess Championship.
India’s High Stakes
For India, this year’s World Cup carries enormous importance. With the event being hosted on home soil, players like R. Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Vidit Gujrathi are under the spotlight to secure one of the coveted Candidates spots. After Gukesh’s World Championship triumph last year, the spotlight is firmly on India’s new generation to prove their mettle.
The World Cup’s single-elimination format, modelled after tennis tournaments, requires consistent excellence. Early rounds feature byes, followed by two-game classical matches, with tiebreakers deciding drawn encounters. The mix of classical and rapid formats adds strategic depth — testing not only technical skill but also mental endurance.
Comments are closed.