Divya Deshmukh, just 19 years old, has pulled off one of the most memorable wins in recent chess history. In the 2025 FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup held in Baku, Azerbaijan, she outplayed some of the world’s best to become the first Indian woman ever to win this prestigious event.
Her performance was nothing short of brilliant. Beating elite players like Zhu Jiner, Tan Zhongyi, and finally Humpy Koneru in the finals, Divya didn’t just win a trophy. She earned the Grandmaster title outright. No prior norms, no rating requirement, just pure performance. That’s rare, and it’s historic.
Key Moments
It wasn’t easy for Divya as she entered the tournament without the spotlight on her and wasn’t even among the top seeds. But round by round, she grew stronger.
After drawing the classical games, the match moved to rapid tiebreaks. In the first rapid game, Divya nearly won but couldn’t quite convert. But she stayed composed.
In the second game, with the black pieces, she played boldly,
Divya played 53…f4, sacrificing a pawn to activate her king, Humpy responded with a big blunder 54.Rxf4 instead of the stronger 54.Ke4, allowing Divya to push her a-pawn. Despite time pressure, Divya stayed calm.
Both players made a few mistakes in the tense endgame, but Divya handled it better. She used her rook smartly to shield her king from checks while guiding her pawn forward with support from the king. With a promotion inevitable, Humpy resigned, sealing Divya’s victory.
2025 Women’s Chess World Cup Final Score
table { font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; } td, th { border: 1px solid #dddddd; text-align: left; padding: 8px; } tr:nth-child(even) { background-color: #dddddd; }| Format | Humpy Koneru | Divya Deshmukh | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classical Game 1 | ½ | ½ | Draw |
| Classical Game 2 | ½ | ½ | Draw |
| Rapid Game 1 | ½ | ½ | Draw |
| Rapid Game 2 | 0 | 1 | Divya wins |
Who Is Divya Deshmukh?
Divya started playing chess as a young girl in Nagpur. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a Woman Grandmaster at just 14, and an International Master by 17. Her progress was steady, but never flashy. She wasn’t hyped, but she kept improving quietly.
What sets her apart is her fighting spirit. Divya thrives in sharp, unclear positions. She doesn’t just follow theory. She trusts her instincts, plays creatively, and doesn’t back down from complications. Her games are exciting and often unpredictable.
Achievements So Far
2025 has been a breakthrough year for Divya. Here are some of her key achievements:
- Winner, 2025 Women’s Chess World Cup
- Earned Grandmaster (GM) title directly based on performance
- Winner, 2025 World Junior (U20) Chess Championship
- Member of India’s gold medal-winning team at the 2025 Chess Olympiad
- Qualified for the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament
She’s now ranked among the top female players in the world and is widely seen as the future of Indian women’s chess.
What We Can Learn From Her Victory
Divya’s story is full of lessons for players of all levels. She wasn’t the top seed. She didn’t have the highest rating or the most experience. But she believed in her preparation, stayed focused under pressure, and fought fearlessly.
Her victory reminds us that success doesn’t come from titles or past results. It comes from persistence, preparation, and the courage to fight in every position.
Inspired by Divya’s journey? Whether you’re a total beginner or an aspiring tournament player, the New England Chess School can help you grow. We offer personalized coaching, fun and interactive lessons, and a curriculum designed to build strong foundations.
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Greatness starts with one move.