Trophies and Medals from the World Chess Championships
Explore the collection of trophies and medals awarded to the world's best chess players.
Hamilton-Russel Cup (1927) by Photo by Michal WaluszaInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)
Symbols of success
From world championship matches, these trophies and medals are more than just objects; they embody the triumphs of chess legends.
Vasily Smyslov and his trophies
The seventh World Chess Champion is pictured at home next to his coveted prizes.
The drama in Baguio
The 1978 World Chess Championship between Soviet world champion Anatoly Karpov and Viktor Korchnoi, the fierce critic of the regime, was one of the most dramatic and politically charged matches in chess history.
The continuation in Merano
Anatoly Karpov and Viktor Korchnoi clashed again in Merano, Italy, in 1981, creating one of chess history's most captivating duels. This match was less tense comparing to 1978, and Karpov again emerged as a winner.
The controversial 1984 match between Karpov and Kasparov was supposed to continue until one player won 6 games, with no limit on the number of draws. After 48 games and five months of intense competition, the match was abandoned in February 1985 with Karpov leading 5-3 (with 40 draws). The title was not awarded, and a rematch was scheduled for later that year. The match took place in the House of Unions in Moscow, USSR, engraved on the reverse side of the medal.
The undisputed champion
Vladimir Kramnik received this cup for winning the 2006 match against Veselin Topalov, which crowned him the undisputed World Chess Champion.
Kramnik's medal
Vladimir Kramnik received this medal for winning the 2006 match against Veselin Topalov, which crowned him the undisputed World Chess Champion.
Chess amidst masterpieces
The 2012 World Chess Championship took place at the renowned Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, where the world's finest paintings served as a backdrop to the intense competition between defending champion Viswanathan Anand and challenger Boris Gelfand.
The era of Magnus
In 2013, Magnus Carlsen defeated Viswanathan Anand in Chennai, India, to become the 16th World Chess Champion. This trophy marked the start of his 10-year reign.
On top of the world for the 5th time
Magnus Carlsen received this trophy after he beat Ian Nepomniachtchi in Dubai, UAE, in 2021. This marked Carlsen's fifth world chess championship victory.
The first Chinese absolute chess champion
The reigning World Chess Champion Ding Liren received this trophy after winning against Ian Nepomniachtchi in Astana, Kazakhstan, in 2023.
Ju Wenjun's fourth triumph
The reigning Women's World Chess Champion Ju Wenjun won this trophy after defeating her compatriot Lei Tingjie in China in 2023. This was the third time she defended her title after winning it in 2018.
A chess move in black and white (2023) by Stev BonhageInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)
Singapore's Trophy Awaits...
The World Chess Championship 2024 is about to begin in Singapore. Will Ding Liren or Gukesh D. claim the title? We'll soon see what the trophy for the next champion looks like.
