Divya Deshmukh Makes History as First Indian Woman to Win FIDE Women's World Cup 2025

Historic Victory for Divya Deshmukh

Nineteen-year-old Divya Deshmukh has etched her name in history by winning the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this feat. In a thrilling all-Indian final held in Baku, she triumphed over the seasoned Koneru Humpy with a score of 1.5–0.5, showcasing her remarkable skills during the rapid tie-breaks.

The classical games played over the weekend were fiercely contested, ending in draws as both competitors displayed exceptional preparation and composure. In the opening match on Saturday, Divya took control with the white pieces, establishing a strong position before Humpy fought back. The following day’s game was more balanced, although Divya admitted to facing difficulties that she managed to navigate to secure a draw.

The decisive moments came during the tie-breaks, where the first rapid game concluded in a draw. However, in the second game, Humpy faltered under pressure, making critical errors that Divya capitalized on with precision.

Entering the match as the underdog, Divya faced Humpy, a two-time World Rapid Champion and ranked fifth in classical chess. In contrast, Divya held the 18th position in classical, 22nd in rapid, and 18th in blitz according to FIDE rankings. Despite the odds, she maintained her composure and emerged victorious.

This victory marks a significant milestone for the young talent from Nagpur, who has had an impressive year. In 2024, she clinched the World Junior Championship and contributed to India's success at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where she also earned an individual gold medal. With this World Cup win, Divya not only secures her place in history but also achieves India’s 88th Grandmaster title, becoming the fourth Indian woman to hold this prestigious title.