FIDE has named its World Cup trophy after Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand, marking a proud moment for the nation.
The unveiling took place during a vibrant opening ceremony in Goa. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich attended the event. The trophy, now officially called the Viswanathan Anand Trophy, honours the five-time World Champion’s legacy in global chess.
Divya Deshmukh, the reigning World Women Chess Cup champion, conducted the draw of lots. As per the draw, all players with odd numbers in round one will play with the black pieces.
The FIDE World Cup 2025 features 206 players from 80 countries. They will compete in eight knockout rounds of classical games. The tournament offers a prize pool of USD 2 million. It also serves as a qualifier for the Candidates Tournament 2026, which decides the challenger for the next World Chess Championship.
The naming of the trophy after Anand celebrates his immense contribution to the sport. It also inspires the next generation of chess players in India and beyond.
The tournament’s launch has energized the global chess community. Fans and players alike are eager to witness high-stakes matches in the coming weeks.
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