Divya Deshmukh Wins 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup, Becomes Grandmaster

In a historic achievement for Indian chess, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh has won the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup held in Batumi, Georgia. She defeated India’s top player, Grandmaster (GM) Humpy Koneru, in the rapid tiebreaks after two classical games ended in draws.

There was fierce competition in the final match. Humpy and Divya, who was playing White, fought to a draw in the opening quick game. Divya played Black in the second quick game. Divya maintained her composure and steadiness even if she was occasionally a little passive. Humpy committed critical errors in the endgame while under a lot of time constraint. Divya took advantage of the situation and used her advantage to win the tiebreak 1.5–0.5.

With this victory, Divya not only becomes the Women's World Cup champion but also receives the Grandmaster title, which is the highest chess ranking.  Surprisingly, Divya won this significant FIDE event and earned her GM title without having to gather the customary three GM norms.

After the match, Divya, who teared up while thanking her supporters, expressed, "This means a lot, but there is much more to do."

With her victory, Divya will also qualify for the 2026 Women's Candidates Tournament, where she may be able to contend for the title of World Chess Champion.

The 2025 Women's World Cup had 107 players from 46 countries with many of the best female players in the world. Divya's win is a big step forward in Indian chess, especially considering the unparalleled player base India has across all age groups on the world stage.

This victory establishes Divya Deshmukh among the best female chess players in the world, inspiring hundreds of young female players throughout India - and likely beyond.