Introduction:
In a remarkable moment for Indian chess, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh from Nagpur, Maharashtra, created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the prestigious FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup 2025. This achievement is not only a proud moment for Divya but also a matter of immense pride for Maharashtra and the entire nation.
India’s Dream Final: Divya Deshmukh vs. Koneru Humpy – A Historic Moment in Chess
The FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup had never been won by an Indian before — and for years, the country waited for this proud moment. In 2025, that dream finally came true. What made it even more special was that both finalists were from India, turning the final into an emotional and proud moment for the entire nation.
The final match of the 2025 Women’s World Cup saw 19-year-old rising star Divya Deshmukh face off against the legendary Grandmaster Koneru Humpy. The classical games were closely fought, resulting in tense draws. The match then moved into the rapid tiebreaks, where the pressure was at its peak.
In the final and decisive game, Divya showed incredible calm and skill, defeating Humpy in a dramatic endgame to secure the title with a score of 2.5–1.5.
With this win, Divya Deshmukh not only became the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup, but also inspired millions across the nation. Her journey is a symbol of dedication, talent, and the bright future of Indian chess.
About the Tournament
- Dates: July 6 to 29, 2025
- Venue: Grand Bellagio Hotel & Casino, Batumi, Georgia
- Format: 107-player knockout; each match featured two classical games followed by tiebreaks if necessary.
- Prize Fund: $691,250 (Divya received $50,000 for her win)
The top 3 finishers from this tournament have qualified for the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament.
Divya’s Path to Victory: Divya’s journey to the top was anything but easy. She defeated a series of top players including:
- GM Zhu Jiner (China)
- GM Harika Dronavalli (India)
- GM Tan Zhongyi (former Women’s World Champion, China)
- GM Koneru Humpy (India)
Her performance impressed fans and analysts alike, especially with her calm demeanor under pressure and deep tactical acumen.
Divya Deshmukh Earns the Grandmaster Title
By winning the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 and defeating several top-ranked Grandmasters along the way, Divya Deshmukh successfully achieved her final norm — officially earning the prestigious Grandmaster (GM) title. With this incredible accomplishment, she joins the ranks of India’s elite women players like Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, and R. Vaishali.
Moments after her final win, Divya was overwhelmed with emotion. Tears of joy filled her eyes as she hugged her mother tightly, expressing just how much the moment meant to her. When asked about her feelings, she smiled and said:
“I didn’t have a title… and now I have the Grandmaster title. I’m so happy.”
Recent Achievements:
- Asian Women’s Chess Champion 2023
- Tata Steel Women’s Rapid 2023 Champion (defeated World Champion Ju Wenjun)
- FIDE U20 Girls World Champion 2024
- Defeated Hou Yifan (former Women’s World Champion) in a 74-move blitz thriller earlier in 2025
What’s Next for Divya?
Divya Deshmukh has secured a spot in the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament, where she will compete for the right to challenge the reigning Women’s World Champion. With her current momentum, Divya could well become the next World Champion in the near future.
A New Era for Indian Chess Divya’s win not only marks a personal milestone but also signals a new era for Indian women in chess. Her historic triumph has inspired countless young players across the nation.
Quick Recap:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Champion | Divya Deshmukh (India) |
| Runner-Up | Koneru Humpy (India) |
| Final Score | 2.5–1.5 (in rapid tiebreaks) |
| Venue | Batumi, Georgia |
| Prize Money (Winner) | $50,000 |
| Title Earned | Grandmaster (GM) |
| Age | 19 |
| Next Event | 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament |
