NEW DELHI: R Vaishali not only created history by winning the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament with 8.5/14 points but also walked away with a significant financial reward for her impressive performance. By finishing first, Vaishali is guaranteed a winner’s prize of €28,000, marking one of the biggest paydays of her career so far.However, the earnings don’t stop there. The tournament follows a structure where players are additionally rewarded based on their performance in each round.
For every half-point scored, participants receive €2,200. Given Vaishali’s consistent run across 14 rounds, featuring a mix of crucial wins and hard-fought draws, her total prize money sees a substantial boost beyond the base amount.This combined figure includes both the winner’s purse and the accumulated performance bonuses, underlining the value of consistency in such a long and demanding tournament.Beyond the immediate financial gains, the bigger reward lies in what comes next. Vaishali’s triumph has 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 larger prize money and global recognition.ALSO READ: ‘Javokhir Sindarov got a bit lucky’: Germany’s No. 1 Vincent Keymer on ‘critical moment’ in Candidates 2026 win | ExclusiveFor Vaishali, the Candidates victory represents both a career milestone and a stepping stone. While the prize money reflects her success in Cyprus, the opportunity ahead could elevate her stature further on the world stage, making this win even more valuable in the long run.
