Divya Deshmukh Creates History: Wins FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup 2025

India’s rising chess star Divya Deshmukh scripted history on July 28, 2025, by defeating veteran Koneru Humpy in the tiebreaks to win the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup held in Batumi, Georgia. At just 19 years old, Divya not only clinched one of the most prestigious titles in women’s chess but also became India’s fourth female Grandmaster (GM).

A Battle of Generations

The final of the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup was a clash between experience and youthful brilliance. Koneru Humpy, India’s first woman Grandmaster and a legend in women’s chess, brought her immense experience, being currently ranked World No. 5. Divya Deshmukh, ranked World No. 18, entered the event as an underdog, but showed remarkable determination and composure against her senior. The two classical games played earlier had ended in draws, pushing the match into rapid tiebreaks.

The Decisive Tiebreaks

In the first rapid game, Divya held Humpy to a solid draw. The second game proved decisive,

• Playing with black pieces, Divya capitalised on a critical endgame mistake by Humpy.
• She converted the advantage with precision to claim victory.
• This win not only gave her the World Cup title but also fulfilled her dream of becoming a Grandmaster, a feat she described as “fate.”

Divya’s Journey to the Top

Early Achievements

• Divya was crowned World Junior Champion in the girls’ section in 2024.
• She was instrumental in India’s gold medal win at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where she also bagged an individual gold.

Grandmaster Title

With this win, Divya joins an elite list of Indian women who hold the Grandmaster title,

• Koneru Humpy
• R. Vaishali
• Harika Dronavalli
• Divya Deshmukh (the youngest among them at present).

Overcoming Odds

Despite her lower FIDE ranking and Humpy’s status as the World Rapid Champion, Divya remained fearless. She admitted that her draw in the first classical game “felt like a loss” as she missed winning chances, but she kept her composure to seize the opportunity in the rapid format.

Koneru Humpy: The Veteran Opponent

At 37 years old, Koneru Humpy remains one of the greatest ambassadors of Indian chess. She was once the youngest woman to become a GM, breaking Judit Polgar’s record at the age of 15 years and 27 days.
Even though she lost the final, Humpy praised Divya’s preparation and acknowledged that the youngster was “clearly better” during stretches of the match.

The Significance of the Win

Divya’s victory is a landmark for Indian chess,

• It underscores India’s growing dominance in the global chess arena.
• The win adds another Grandmaster to India’s roster.
• For women’s chess in India, it is a generational milestone, inspiring young players to dream bigger.
• Her triumph also adds momentum to India’s recent surge in the chess world, where young talents are increasingly making their mark in prestigious international tournaments.