New Delhi: R Vaishali not only created history by winning the 2026 Women Candidates Tournament with 8.5/14 points but also walked away with a major cash prize for her stellar performance. By eliminating first, Vaishali He is guaranteed a winning prize of €28,000, one of the biggest paydays of his career so far.However, the earnings don’t stop there. The tournament follows a structure where players are awarded additional prizes based on their performance in each round.
For every half point scored, participants receive €2,200. Given Vaishali’s consistent run across 14 rounds, which has included a mix of important wins and hard-fought draws, his total prize money has seen a substantial increase over the base amount.This combined figure includes both the winner’s purse and accumulated performance bonuses, illustrating the value of consistency in such a long and difficult tournament.Beyond the immediate financial benefits, the big reward lies in what comes next. Vaishali’s win earned her a place in the Women’s World Chess Championship match against reigning champion Jo Venjen. This upcoming clash not only offers an opportunity to compete for a world title but also promises bigger prize money and global recognition.Also read: ‘Javakhir Sundrov is a bit lucky’: Germany’s No 1 Vincent Kemmer on ‘critical moment’ in candidate’s 2026 victory | specialFor Vaishali, the candidate’s win represents both a career milestone and a stepping stone. While the prize money reflects his success in Cyprus, the upcoming opportunity could further elevate his stature on the world stage, making the win even more valuable in the long run.
