FIDE renames World Chess Cup as ‘Viswanathan Anand Trophy’ to honour Indian icon

The FIDE World Chess Cup 2025 opened in grand style in Panjim, Goa, on Friday, with the unveiling of its new trophy — now officially named the Viswanathan Anand Trophy, honouring India’s first Grandmaster and five-time world champion.

The trophy was unveiled in the presence of Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, marking a proud moment for Indian chess. All India Chess Federation (AICF) President Nitin Narang announced the dedication, saying, “We are delighted to institute the Viswanathan Anand Cup — the FIDE World Cup (Open) Winner’s Running Trophy — in honour of the King of Chess. This stands as a tribute to Anand’s unparalleled contribution and the rise of Indian chess.”

Beautifully designed with a dancing peacock motif, symbolising grace and strength, the trophy captures the spirit of both the sport and India’s growing dominance in world chess. The opening ceremony also featured Women’s World Cup champion Divya Deshmukh, who conducted the draw of lots, with all odd-numbered players in Round 1 set to play with black pieces.

The $2 million World Cup brings together 206 players from 80 countries for an intense eight-round knockout event. The top three finishers will qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, which determines the challenger for the next World Chess Championship.

A Defining Moment for Indian Chess
Hosting the World Cup for the first time, India has a strong contingent led by R. Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Vidit Gujrathi, all aiming to secure a spot in the Candidates. After D. Gukesh’s World Championship triumph, the event is being viewed as the next big stage for India’s emerging stars to assert their dominance.

The World Cup follows a knockout format similar to tennis, with each round featuring two classical games followed by rapid and blitz tiebreakers if needed. The structure rewards resilience, adaptability, and mental toughness — qualities Anand himself exemplified throughout his career.

Since adopting this format in 2005, the World Cup has become one of the most prestigious events on the chess calendar, known for its high-stakes drama and decisive games. For India, this edition is not just about competition — it’s a celebration of a legacy, with the Viswanathan Anand Trophy standing as a lasting symbol of the nation’s growing chess supremacy.