In a grand gesture honoring one of chess’s true titans, the new trophy for the FIDE World Chess Cup, currently underway in Panjim, was officially unveiled and christened as the Viswanathan Anand Trophy this Friday, October 31, 2025. This momentous occasion pays tribute to the five-time world champion and Indian chess legend, Viswanathan Anand.
The magnificent trophy was proudly revealed during a vibrant opening ceremony, graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and FIDE chief Arkady Dvorkovich.
All India Chess Federation (AICF) president Nitin Narang expressed immense pride and delight, stating, "We are extremely proud and delighted to announce the Viswanathan Anand Cup, the FIDE World Cup (Open) Winner’s Running Trophy, instituted in honour of the King of Chess and India’s first Grandmaster, Shri Viswanathan Anand."
Narang further elaborated, "This running trophy serves as a powerful emblem of the incredible progress of Indian chess, celebrating the remarkable achievements and enduring legacy of @vishy64theking. It is destined to be cherished and lauded for centuries, passing through generations of future chess prodigies."
Describing the trophy’s stunning design, he added on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter): "Majestic, magnificent, and deeply symbolic in design, it features a peacock—India’s National Bird—captured in a frozen dancing form, a captivating vision that beautifully rekindles the timeless charm of chess."
The draw of lots for the tournament was conducted by none other than the World Women Chess Cup title holder, Divya Deshmukh. It was announced that all odd numbers in round 1 would commence play with the black pieces.
This prestigious tournament boasts a substantial $2 million prize fund, attracting 206 players from 80 nations. They will compete across eight intense knockout rounds of classical games. Crucially, the FIDE World Cup 2025 will offer three coveted spots in the Candidates 2026, serving as the ultimate pathway to the next World Championship match.
The tournament format is a thrilling eight-round, single-elimination knockout. Each match will comprise two classical games played under standard time controls. Should scores remain tied after these initial games, players will face off again on the third day in a series of rapid and blitz tie-breaks to determine who progresses to the next stage.
The top 50 seeded players, a formidable group featuring many of the world’s highest-rated grandmasters, will enjoy byes directly into the second round. Meanwhile, the remaining 156 formidable competitors are set to kick off their campaigns on November 1st.
Notably, India’s reigning world champion, D Gukesh, has been automatically seeded into round two, highlighting his elite status.
Marking a significant return, this year’s event is the first FIDE World Cup to be hosted in India since 2002. During that historic tournament, Viswanathan Anand emerged victorious, defeating Rustam Kasimdzhanov in a thrilling two-game final held in Hyderabad.
Over two decades on, India’s chess landscape has flourished remarkably. The nation proudly celebrates a young world champion in D Gukesh, coveted Olympiad team titles in both the Open and women’s sections, and the presence of Divya Deshmukh, the current Women’s World Cup winner and the sole female participant in this year’s fiercely contested World Cup.
Beyond these prominent figures, a host of other rising stars from India, including Arjun Erigaisi, R. Praggnanandhaa, and Nihal Sarin, are also poised to showcase their talent on the world stage.
Among the formidable international contenders, Germany’s Vincent Keymer stands out as a key player. Currently ranked world No. 4 on the live rating list, Keymer arrives in top form, having impressively gained 18 rating points across recent European Club Cup and European Team Championship performances.
Another undeniable favorite is Anish Giri, fresh off his victory at the Samarkand Grand Swiss. With his Candidates qualification already secured, Giri enters the World Cup brimming with confidence and in superb form.
The American duo of Wesley So and Levon Aronian also pose a significant threat. So, in particular, comes to Goa on the heels of a strong second-place finish at the U.S. Championship.
Levon Aronian, a former World Cup champion (2017), has also had an impressive year, collecting multiple titles and demonstrating his enduring prowess.
According to the latest FIDE rating list, an astonishing 22 players boast ratings of 2700 or higher, guaranteeing that this event will truly showcase the absolute elite of global chess talent.