In a defining moment for Indian sports, the FIDE World Cup 2025 trophy has been officially renamed the “Viswanathan Anand Trophy,” honoring India’s greatest chess icon. The announcement came during the grand opening ceremony of the World Cup held in Goa, attended by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, Indian dignitaries, and some of the world’s top chess players. As applause filled the hall, it wasn’t just a tribute to a champion; it was a celebration of an era. Anand’s name etched on the World Cup trophy is more than a symbolic gesture; it’s a recognition of a lifetime spent shaping the game and inspiring countless minds to think beyond the board.

The Rise of a Legend: From Madras to the World

Born in Chennai (then Madras) in 1969, Viswanathan Anand began his journey like any young enthusiast—curious and determined. But what set him apart was his lightning-fast calculation and calm under pressure. In 1988, he became India’s first Grandmaster, breaking barriers and opening the floodgates for a nation that would soon become one of the strongest forces in global chess. Over the next decades, Anand’s mastery earned him five World Championship titles (2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012), victories against legends like Vladimir Kramnik and Veselin Topalov, and respect as one of the most versatile players in chess history. Known as the “Tiger of Madras,” Anand didn’t just win matches; he changed mindsets. He turned chess into a household name in India, inspiring an entire generation of prodigies, including the current wave of young stars like R Praggnanandhaa, D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and Nihal Sarin, who often call him their role model.

FIDE’s Golden Tribute

During the announcement, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich described the renaming as “a natural and heartfelt decision.”  The decision marks a historic first; never before has the FIDE World Cup trophy been named after a player from Asia. It highlights the federation’s recognition of India’s rising chess dominance and acknowledges Anand’s enduring influence on the sport’s global evolution. The new “Viswanathan Anand Trophy” will be presented to the World Cup winner each year, symbolizing not just victory but the values Anand embodies: discipline, humility, and intellectual brilliance.

Who Will Take Home the Viswanathan Anand Trophy?

The newly named Viswanathan Anand Trophy will be awarded exclusively to the champion of the FIDE World Cup 2025, the player who emerges victorious after weeks of intense battles on the board. Much like how the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy honors the best in world cricket, this golden chess trophy will stand as the ultimate symbol of supremacy in the sport. While other participants may receive medals or awards for specific categories, the Anand Trophy is reserved for the single player who conquers the field, embodying the spirit of intelligence and grace that defines Anand’s career. The idea is not just to celebrate a winner but to honor a legacy, one that continues to inspire every move, every strategy, and every young mind dreaming of becoming the next Indian chess icon.

India’s Chess Revolution: Anand’s Lasting Legacy

Anand’s success ignited a revolution that continues to burn bright. When he began, chess in India was a niche pursuit with limited resources and visibility. Today, the country boasts more than 85 grandmasters, thriving academies, and international tournaments—a transformation often credited to the foundation Anand built. Through his calm, analytical approach and sportsmanlike conduct, he taught generations that chess is not just about winning but about thinking deeply, creatively, and ethically. Even after decades at the top, Anand remains an active mentor and global ambassador for the game. As FIDE Deputy President, he now plays a pivotal role in policy making, nurturing young talent, and promoting chess education worldwide.

Goa: The Symbolic Setting

That the announcement happened in Goa carries symbolic weight. The coastal state has become India’s modern chess hub, hosting world tournaments and youth championships. With the Viswanathan Anand Trophy unveiled here, Goa now holds a special place in chess history as the spot where India’s contribution to world chess was immortalized. The ceremony saw emotional moments as players from around the world stood in ovation. Indian dignitaries lauded FIDE’s decision, noting how Anand’s name on the trophy will inspire both present and future generations to strive for excellence. The FIDE World Cup 2025 doesn’t just begin with a new tournament; it begins with a new tradition, one where India’s spirit, embodied in its greatest chess mind, will forever stand as a golden symbol of excellence.

Chess takes centre stage in Goa as the FIDE World Cup 2025 unfolds at Resort Rio from November 1st –26th.