In a powerful and historic performance, Grandmaster Ju Wenjun clinched her fifth Women’s World Chess Championship title after defeating fellow Chinese GM Tan Zhongyi with a dominant score of 6.5–2.5. The final match wrapped up with three games left to spare, making this not just a win — but a statement.
Tournament Highlights:
The 2025 Women’s World Championship was a 12-game match held across Shanghai and Chongqing, the home cities of the two finalists. The match started off even, with a draw in game one. Tan Zhongyi briefly took the lead after winning game two, but Ju Wenjun came roaring back — and never looked back.
Here’s how the scoreline played out:
| Game | Result |
|---|---|
| 1 | Draw |
| 2 | Tan wins |
| 3 | Ju wins |
| 4 | Draw |
| 5-8 | Ju wins all |
| 9 | Draw – Ju clinches title |
Key Moment: Ju’s incredible four-game winning streak (Games 5 to 8) was the turning point. Despite falling behind early, she remained composed and began controlling the match, both on the board and psychologically.
Even when Tan needed a miracle — winning all the remaining games — Ju stayed calm. Game 9, played in Chongqing, ended in a smooth draw after careful play in the Rossolimo variation of the Sicilian, which sealed Ju’s championship.
The final position of The Woman’s World Chess Championship 2025:
What Ju Wenjun Said After the Win
In a short interview, Ju shared:
“When I become champion, all the stress goes away. All that’s left is happiness… and a little tiredness.”
Ju Wenjun
She explained how the match was not just about chess skills, but also about managing pressure, maintaining energy, and staying mentally strong. She also praised her coaching team for their preparation and emotional support throughout the match.
Ju credited her victory to the help of her team — GM Ni Hua, GM Maxim Matlakov, and WGM Wang Pin — who supported her with strategy, analysis, and even emotional balance.
“My team worked really well. We prepared together and they helped me stay focused and calm during the whole match.”
Ju Wenjun
Meet Ju Wenjun: Her Journey and Achievements
Born in Shanghai in 1991, Ju Wenjun started playing chess at the age of seven. By thirteen, she had already become the Asian Women’s Champion, and later won the Chinese national championship in 2010 and 2014. She earned her Grandmaster title in 2014, becoming the 31st woman in history to do so.
Her major achievements include:
| Achievement | Year |
|---|---|
| First World Championship Win | 2018 |
| Defended Title (Knockout) | 2018 |
| Match Victories | 2020, 2023, 2025 |
| Women’s Blitz Champion | 2024 |
| Women’s Rapid Champion | 2017, 2018 |
| Defeated Alireza Firouzja (Tata Steel) | 2024 |
| Drew World Champion Ding Liren | 2024 |
She has also led China to team victories in the Chess Olympiad, World Team Championship, and Asian Nations Cups, proving her strength in both individual and team formats.
Why This Win Matters
Ju Wenjun now becomes only the fourth woman in chess history to win the world title five times, joining the ranks of legends like Vera Menchik, Nona Gaprindashvili, and Maia Chiburdanidze. With her solid style, endgame precision, and calm demeanor, she’s setting a new benchmark for what it means to be a champion.
What makes this story even more inspiring is that Ju started in a chess club — just like many young players do today.
At The New England Chess School, we believe in nurturing talent from the ground up. Whether you’re new to the game or dreaming of big titles, your journey can begin here. With the right support, structure, and guidance, anyone can aim high — just like Ju Wenjun did.
Start your journey today with The New England Chess School now!