Giri and Vaishali Win 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss Titles

At the 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss and Women’s Grand Swiss, held from September 4–15 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, GM Anish Giri and GM Vaishali Rameshbabu emerged as champions. Their victories not only brought them trophies and top prize money but also qualification to the prestigious 2026 Candidates Tournaments, which determine the next challengers for the World Chess Championship.

Giri’s Dominance in the Open Section

Final Score: 8/11

• Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri played a flawless tournament, culminating in a final-round win over GM Hans Niemann. His victory secured clear first place and a $90,000 top prize.
• Giri was the only player in the top 7 boards to win his final round, showing precision in a complex, risk-free position with the bishop pair and asymmetrical pawns. He called the win his “Game of the Day”, capping a tournament where he went undefeated.

Matthias Bluebaum Joins Giri in the Candidates

• German GM Matthias Bluebaum also qualified for the 2026 Candidates, drawing with GM Alireza Firouzja in the final round and finishing with the best tiebreaks among those with 7.5/11. He edged out Firouzja and Vincent Keymer, with Keymer narrowly missing a chance to join Giri by drawing with GM Arjun Erigaisi.

Vaishali’s Back-to-Back Victory in Women’s Grand Swiss

Final Score: 8/11

• Indian Grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu won her second consecutive FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss title, finishing ahead of GM Kateryna Lagno on tiebreaks. She drew with GM Tan Zhongyi in the final round to clinch the title and secure a spot in the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament.
• Despite one earlier loss to GM Bibisara Assaubayeva, Vaishali showed strong nerves under pressure and steady performance throughout the 11 rounds. She called her win unexpected after a challenging year, including a 7-game losing streak in the Chennai Grand Masters.

Lagno Also Qualifies for the Candidates

• GM Kateryna Lagno secured the second Candidates spot with a safe 30-move draw against IM Ulviyaa Fataliyeva. Lagno remained unbeaten, winning five games, and was relieved to meet her primary goal—qualifying for the Candidates.

Notable Performers & Highlights

• GM Mishra (16) and GM Andy Woodward (15) impressed with 2780+ performance ratings, narrowly missing qualification despite brilliant tournaments.
• Mishra drew with GM Vidit Gujrathi, which kept him just short of the Candidates spot despite the best tiebreaks.
• In the Women’s event, Bibisara Assaubayeva finished third after missing a likely win against GM Anna Muzychuk, despite previously defeating Vaishali.

Prize Pool and Tournament Format

• Open Prize Pool: $625,000 (Winner: $90,000)
• Women’s Prize Pool: $230,000 (Winner: $40,000)
• Format: 11-round Swiss system
• Time Control: Classical – 100 mins for 40 moves, followed by 50 mins for 20, then 15 mins, with a 30-second increment from move 1

Key Takeaways

• Winners: Anish Giri (Open), Vaishali Rameshbabu (Women)
• Event Dates: 4–15 September 2025
• Location: Samarkand, Uzbekistan
• Candidates 2026 Qualifiers: Giri, Bluebaum (Open); Vaishali, Lagno (Women)
• India’s Performance: Vaishali wins, Mishra & Arjun strong contenders