Nineteen-year-old International Master Divya Deshmukh etched her name into chess history on Monday, defeating Grandmaster Humpy Koneru 1.5–0.5 in the rapid tiebreaks to win the 2025 Women’s World Cup.

With this victory, the Nagpur-born teenager becomes the third-ever champion of the Women’s World Cup, following in the footsteps of GM Alexandra Kosteniuk (2021) and GM Aleksandra Goryachkina (2023).

In the 15+10 rapid tiebreak format, Deshmukh displayed both tenacity and composure. After drawing the first game despite missing a winning opportunity, she bounced back in the second with clinical precision. Playing Black, she neutralised early pressure, then took command as Humpy faltered in time trouble—sealing the title in decisive fashion.

“This definitely means a lot, but there is a lot more to achieve,” a visibly emotional Deshmukh said moments after the match, embracing her mother before addressing the media. “I’m hoping this is just the start.”

The title win not only brings Deshmukh a prize of USD 50,000 but also automatically grants her the Grandmaster title—the highest recognition in chess. Remarkably, she achieved the title without the traditional route of three GM norms and a 2500 rating.

“I still need time to process it,” she said. “I think it was fate—me getting the Grandmaster title this way. Before this, I didn’t even have one norm, and now I’m a Grandmaster.”

Her triumph also earns her a direct spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament, alongside runner-up GM Humpy Koneru and former Women’s World Champion Tan Zhongyi, who finished third.

Deshmukh’s ascent marks a significant moment in Indian and international chess, spotlighting her as one of the brightest emerging talents on the global stage.

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