The Women’s World Chess Championship is an important event within the chess world. This is the stage on which the world’s best women’s competitors will battle for the title of world champion. FIDE been organizing this tournament since 1927. It began then, with Vera Menchik winning the first title and subsequently all the titles through 1944 on a permanent basis. Several talented female competitors have made their mark in this championship since then.
How This Championship Started
The modern period of the Women’s World Chess Championship is marked by intense rivalry & exceptional feats. Players like Nona Gaprindashvili, Maia Chiburdanidze, & Xie Jun exposed themselves to the world, each leaving an indelible mark on events.
Gaprindashvili, the first woman ever to be titled Grandmaster—a title she held from 1962 through 1978—& then Chiburdanidze had her 14-year reign. His 1991 victory left Xie Jun, the first Chinese world champion, as the first marker of decades of dominating Asian chess dynasties.
Hou Yifan, widely considered one of the greatest female players of all time, won the title four times (2010, 2011, 2013, 2016) & championed increased visibility for women’s chess by competing in open tournaments & taking on top male players. Ju Wenjun, the reigning champion as of April 2025, has held that title since 2018, defending it successfully in grueling high-stakes matches, including against Russia’s Alexandra Goryachkina in 2020 & 2023.
What’s Happening in 2025
Right now, in April 2025, the Women’s World Chess Championship is heating up in China. It’s a 12-game match between two Chinese grandmasters: Ju Wenjun, the defending champion, and Tan Zhongyi, the challenger. Players had been in Shanghai until April 3; they are now flying to Chongqing for the rest of the matches, which continue until April 23. The championship is given to the first to reach 6.5 points. If it’s tied after 12 games, they’ll play faster tiebreak games to decide.
Here’s the latest on the 2025 match:
- Game 1 (April 3): Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi played to a draw. An even start, both players testing the other.
- Game 2 (April 4): Tan Zhongyi pulled off a big win. Ju Wenjun made a mistake in a rook endgame, giving Tan a 1.5-0.5 lead.
- Game 3 (April 6): Ju Wenjun recovered by winning with white against Tan’s Sicilian Defense. She turned a small advantage into a victory, bringing the score to 1.5-1.5.
- Game 4 (April 7): Tan Zhongyi missed chances to go after Ju Wenjun in a long, hard-fought five-hour effort, and the game was drawn. The score remained even at 2-2.
- Game 5 (April 9): Ju Wenjun opened with a crushing victory. Tan’s opening did not go as planned, and Ju used her white pieces to gain a 3-2 advantage.
- Game 6 (April 10): With the black pieces, Ju struck again. The game appeared to be heading for a draw, but Ju pushed late with her knight and pawns, securing the victory after Tan made a mistake. Ju now has a 4-2 lead.
With six matches remaining, Ju Wenjun is two points ahead and in excellent strength. Tan Zhongyi has to respond in Chongqing to stay in the race. The tie is a repeat of their 2018 showdown when Ju finalised the title against Tan, winning 5.5 – 4.5. Millions of people are watching live streams and cheering for both players as fans devour the drama.
How the Match Works
The 2025 title will be a pro/con rebuttal round of 12 games. Each game allows each player 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, and then 30 minutes for the rest, with 30 seconds of extra time after each move. A win receives 1 point, a draw receives 0.5 points and a loss receives 0 points. The prize fund is €500,000 (about $540,000). If someone wins in the 12 games, they get €300,000, and the loser gets €200,000. If it goes to tiebreaks, the winner takes a bit less, but it’s still a huge reward.
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Why It’s a Big Deal
Some ask why there’s a separate women’s championship when chess is a game for everyone. It’s because chess has often been male-dominated, and this event gives women a spotlight. Players like Hou Yifan, who won the title four times, have shown how strong women can be. Ju Wenjun, now aiming for her fifth title, and Tan Zhongyi, a former champion, are proving that women can compete at the highest level. The championship inspires girls everywhere to grab a chessboard and play.
What’s Next
As the match moves to Chongqing, all eyes are on Ju Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi. Ju’s 4-2 lead gives her confidence, but Tan is known for her tactical skills and could make a comeback. With two rest days after Game 6, both players have time to plan their next moves. The chess world is buzzing, with fans posting online and experts breaking down every game. Will Ju keep her crown, or will Tan reclaim the title she lost in 2018? We’ll know soon!
The Women’s World Chess Championship is more than just a game—it’s about showing the world what women can do with focus and strategy. Whether you’re rooting for Ju, Tan, or just love chess, this match is one to watch!
Why We Need A Separate Championship
Some people wonder why there’s a separate women’s title when chess is a game for everyone. The reason is obvious: it provides women’s focus in a space often crowded with men.
Sometimes it’s a big tournament with lots of players, & other times it’s a one-on-one match like this year. In 2025, it’s Ju Wenjun & Tan Zhongyi, with 12 games played in 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, another 30 minutes more, & a 30-second buffer per move.
FAQ
1. Who is playing in the Women’s World Chess Championship 2025?
A: The 2025 championship is a match between Ju Wenjun, the current world champion from China, & Tan Zhongyi, also from China, who is the challenger. Ju has held the title since 2018, while Tan was champion from 2017 to 2018. They’re battling it out in a 12-game match that started on April 3 in Shanghai, China.
2. How do you win the Women’s World Chess Championship?
A: In 2025, it’s a 12-game match. Each win is worth 1 point, a draw is 0.5 points, & a loss is 0 points. The first player to get 6.5 points wins. If it’s tied after 12 games, they play faster “tiebreak” games (like rapid or blitz) to decide the champion.
3. Why is there a separate women’s chess championship?
A: The women’s championship exists to give female players more chances to shine in a game where men often get more focus. It’s been around since 1927 & helps inspire girls to play chess. Some players, like Hou Yifan, think there shouldn’t be a separate title, but for now, it’s a big stage for women in chess.
4. How much money does the winner of the 2025 championship get?
A: The total prize for the 2025 match is €500,000 (around $540,000). If someone wins in the 12 regular games, they get €300,000, & the loser gets €200,000. If it goes to tiebreaks, the winner gets a bit less, but it’s still a huge reward for their skills!