INTRODUCTION TO THE XIANGQI TOURNAMENT - PHUONG TRANG CUP

I. Journey of formation and development

Throughout its development journey of nearly two decades, the International Xiangqi Masters Tournament – Phuong Trang Cup has gradually affirmed its position as one of the most prestigious and influential events in the regional Xiangqi community.

From its early days as merely a domestic-scale playground, the tournament has gradually expanded, attracting many high-level international masters and becoming an important bridge contributing to promoting and elevating the image of Vietnamese Xiangqi on the world map.

Starting in 2006 in Ho Chi Minh City under the name “Ho Chi Minh City Open Xiangqi Masters Tournament,” the tournament at that time had a modest scale with a total prize fund of 57.7 million VND. However, the dedicated investment of Phuong Trang Company and the participation of top masters created a solid foundation for a long-term development path. The late International Grandmaster Truong A Minh won the championship in the first two seasons (2006 and 2008), opening a period of stable development for the tournament.

By 2009, the 3rd tournament held in Da Nang marked an important turning point, inviting international players for the first time. With a total prize fund equivalent to 13,000 USD, the tournament witnessed the convincing coronation of International Grandmaster Jiang Chuan (China), player Zhang Qiang also from China took second place, while the Vietnamese representative – Nguyen Hoang Lam – took third place.

In 2010, the 4th tournament in Ho Chi Minh City continued to raise the bar with a total prize fund of 14,000 USD and attracted more strong international players. International Grandmaster Sun Yongzheng (China) took the throne, Nguyen Thanh Bao (Vietnam) took second place, and Lai Ly Huynh took third place.

The 5th edition in 2016 held in Vung Tau maintained its strong attraction. Zheng Yihong (China) became the champion, Lai Ly Huynh took the Runner-up position, and Dang Cuu Tung Lan took third place. This was also the period when Vietnamese Xiangqi began to transform strongly thanks to the professionalization movement.

After a period of interruption due to the pandemic, the Phuong Trang Cup returned in 2023 with the 6th organization in Da Nang. The tournament had a total budget of over 47,000 USD – the highest in history – gathering 18 Vietnamese players and 6 international players from China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong China, Malaysia, and Singapore.

The tournament left a strong impression when the championship title belonged to player Jiang Chuan of China, who demonstrated superior form and consistent fighting spirit throughout the tournament. Following closely behind was Nguyen Minh Nhat Quang of Vietnam taking the Runner-up title, and Lai Ly Huynh taking third place. These two positions created an important professional highlight and reinforced the belief in the strong rise of Vietnamese Xiangqi.

II. The 7th Phuong Trang cup 2025: A new step forward for a world-class tournament

Following the resounding success of 2023, the 7th Phuong Trang Cup returns from December 21 to December 29, 2025, at Da Nang Times Square – FUTA Land Residence. With an expanded scale, a rigorous professional system, and a lineup of high-quality players, this year's tournament is evaluated as the strongest season in the entire history of the Phuong Trang Cup.

The tournament is co-organized by the Da Nang City Chess Federation and the Ho Chi Minh City Chess Federation, continuing to receive comprehensive sponsorship accompaniment from Phuong Trang Group – FUTA Group.

1. Scale and competition format

The 7th Phuong Trang Cup gathers 30 players, including 11 international players and 19 Vietnamese players – the largest number in the tournament's history. The entire competition content is divided into two stages. First, players will compete in seven rounds of standard chess according to the Swiss system taking place from December 22 to 26. The results of this stage will determine the four most excellent faces to advance to the semi-finals and finals, while the remaining players continue to play two final games to complete the rankings.

In the knockout stage, the semi-finals, finals, and the match for Third Place apply a multi-level mechanism to determine victory or defeat, from standard chess to rapid, blitz, and Armageddon if necessary, ensuring that every game maintains drama, tension, and attractiveness until the very last moments.

2. Attractive prizes

The initial total prize fund of the 7th Phuong Trang Cup 2025 was projected at USD 34,200. Building on this foundation, Kim Long Motor Hue Joint Stock Company – a member of FUTA Group – decided to provide additional sponsorship to the prize structure with a total value of USD 22,000, significantly enhancing the overall prize fund. As a result, the champion will receive USD 25,000, a prize amount among the highest in Southeast Asia.

The 7th Phuong Trang Cup is not only a place gathering the Asian Xiangqi elite but also a meeting point for the exchange of many unique schools and styles of play from various countries and territories. With a reputation affirmed over many years, this year's tournament is expected to witness diverse and dedicated competitions between representatives of different chess backgrounds.

The tournament also opens up opportunities for young players in the region to learn, rub shoulders, and demonstrate their bravery before big names, thereby contributing to the general development of the international Xiangqi movement. At the same time, the fact that the tournament is held in Da Nang City – a center of tourism and cultural exchange – promises to bring a complete experience for players and fans.

Along with the companionship of Phuong Trang Group, the tournament continues to spread humanistic values and the spirit of intellectual sports, contributing to bringing the image of Xiangqi closer to friends in the region and internationally.

The Phuong Trang Cup 2025 promises not only to bring top-notch games but also to continue writing the journey of a tournament imbued with identity, passion, and the aspiration to reach the international level.