Vaishali vs Zhu Jiner (Photo: Niki Riga/FIDE) NEW DELHI: R Vaishali not only created history by winning the Candidates Tournament 2026 with 8.5/14 points but also bagged a significant cash prize for her impressive performance. By finishing first, Vaishali is guaranteed a winner’s prize of €28,000, one of the biggest paydays of her career to date.However, the earnings do not end there. The tournament has a structure where players are additionally rewarded based on their performance in each round.
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Harika Dronavalli Exclusive: Inside Grenke’s #chess win, viral no-handshake incident and moreFor each half-point earned, participants receive €2,200. With Vaishali running consistently through 14 rounds that included a mix of crucial wins and hard-fought draws, her prize money total sees a substantial increase beyond the base amount.This combined value includes both the winner’s purse and accumulated performance bonuses, underscoring the value of consistency in such a long and demanding tournament.Beyond the immediate financial gains, the greater reward lies in what comes next. Vaishali’s triumph earned her a place in the Women’s World Chess Championship match against reigning champion Ju Wenjun. This upcoming clash not only offers a chance to compete for the world title, but also promises even bigger cash prizes and worldwide recognition.READ ALSO: ‘Javokhir Sindarov was a bit lucky’: German No. 1 Vincent Keymer wins Candidates 2026 at a ‘critical moment’ | ExclusiveFor Vaishali, the candidates’ victory represents a career milestone as well as a springboard. While the prize money reflects her success in Cyprus, the opportunity ahead of her could further elevate her standing on the world stage, making this win even more valuable in the long run.
