In a stunning performance at the Women's Chess World Cup final, Divya Deshmukh defeated Grandmaster and compatriot Koneru Humpy to clinch the title. With this historic victory, Divya has become the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women's Chess World Cup.
Chess: Bringing glory to Indian chess on the global stage, Divya Deshmukh has created history by winning the FIDE Women's Chess World Cup 2025. The 19-year-old Divya, who defeated Grandmaster Koneru Humpy in the final tiebreaker match, has become the first Indian woman chess player to win this prestigious title.
Along with this historic victory, Divya Deshmukh has also been awarded the title of 'Grandmaster'. This young player from Nagpur has now also qualified for the Women's Candidates Tournament 2026.
The Thrilling Story of the Final Match
The final match of the FIDE Women's World Cup 2025 was played between two Indian players — Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy. The initial two classical games ended in a draw, leading the match to a tiebreaker. Divya kept Humpy under pressure in the first rapid game of the tiebreaker, and the match resulted in a draw.
But in the second tiebreaker rapid game, playing with black pieces, she made excellent aggressive moves against Humpy and won. This victory made her the world champion.
What was the Tiebreaker Format?
- First, two rapid games of 15 minutes each are played, with an increment of 10 seconds per move.
- If the score remains equal, the players play two more games of 10 minutes each.
- If there is still no decision, there are two blitz games of 5 minutes each, with an increment of 3 seconds after each move.
- Finally, there is an 'Armageddon' game — one player has 4 minutes, the other has 5 minutes, in which a draw is considered a victory for the player with the black pieces.
- However, Divya secured a decisive result by winning the second rapid tiebreaker itself.
Divya Deshmukh's Grandmaster Journey
This victory is not just a title, but also the formal seal of approval for Divya Deshmukh to become a Grandmaster. Divya, who was already an International Master, proved her superiority by defeating several higher-rated players throughout the World Cup journey. With this victory, she has become an inspiration not only for female chess players in India, but also around the world.
Veteran Grandmaster Koneru Humpy, who has been the face of Indian chess for many years, could not take full advantage of her experience in the final. Her game was balanced in the initial games, but in the decisive tiebreaker, she could not match Divya's quick strategy and accurate calculations. Humpy had a small chance, but Divya, playing with black pieces, did not give her any opportunity.
Divya Became Emotional After the Title Win
Speaking to the media after the win, Divya said, "This is the most beautiful moment of my life. The dream I had since childhood has come true today. This victory is not just mine, but of the entire India." There were tears in her eyes, but they were tears of pride and happiness. She also credited her coaching team, parents, and the All India Chess Federation for this success.
- Age: 19 years
- City: Nagpur, Maharashtra
- FIDE Rating: 2445+ (Updated)
- Title: International Master (Now Grandmaster)
- First Indian woman FIDE World Cup winner
- Qualified for Candidates Tournament 2026
