Let’s talk a about Vaishali Rameshbabu who recently won the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026, scoring 8.5/14 (+5−2=7), in Cyprus. With this success, she secured herself the right to compete for the title of World Champion against current holder Ju Wenjun this year.
The coolness and accuracy of Vaishali’s style of playing were once again highlighted in her last-round encounter with Kateryna Lagno, where Vaishali played White and squeezed the game from her opponent using her white pieces.
Final Round Overview (against Kateryna Lagno) – Woman’s Candidates Tournament 2026
Opening:
Vaishali employed a sharp Sicilian Dragon opening. In this game, Lagno adopted the fashionable line of 9…d5, only to falter later with 11…Be6?.
Middlegame:
With 13. Nxd5, Vaishali captured a pawn, ensuring that her king remained secure throughout.
At move 14. Bxd5, Vaishali managed to place her pieces ideally, while Lagno had no counter.
Although Lagno attempted to advance her pawns on the queenside, Vaishali did not lose her composure.
Critical Move:
35…Ra2? is where Lagno made a blunder.
Using 39. Rd8+! along with 40. c4!, Vaishali forced Lagno to surrender material.
Endgame:
With moves 41. Qxc4 Rxb2+ 42. Kxb2, victory was assured.
For a little more time, Lagno continued fighting before finally resigning.
Vaishali knew when to simplify and when to complicate the game, leading to an uncomfortable position for Lagno. This was more than a win; it was a lesson. Modern chess is all about accumulation.
About Vaishali
- Date of Birth: June 21, 2001; Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Honours: Grandmaster (2024), International Master (2021), Woman Grandmaster (2018)
- Rating Peak: 2506 (August 2024)
Family Members: Vaishali’s younger brother R Praggnanandhaa is also a grandmaster. Both siblings form a unique duo of brothers and sisters being grandmasters for the first time ever.
Vaishali is the first woman grandmaster born in the state of Tamil Nadu, which serves as an inspiration for many youngsters in the country.
Past Achievements
Youth Titles:
World Youth Girls Champion – U12 (2012), U14 (2015)
National Titles:
National Junior Girls Champion (2015, 2016)
International Achievements:
- Defeated World #1 player Magnus Carlsen in simul match when she was 12 years old (2013)
- Gold medalist with Indian team at Online Olympiad (2020)
- Bronze medalist at Women’s World Blitz Championship (2024)
- Winner of FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss (2023, 2025)
The gradual promotion up the ranks proves that persistence wins over flamboyance, and every accomplishment built a little bit more confidence in Vaishali.
Prize Money and Awards
Besides securing her challenge title, Vaishali also won substantial prize money for her victory in the Candidates Tournament. The total amount of prize money offered in such tournaments is usually around €250,000, which is shared among all the players, with the winner receiving the largest chunk. To top it off, Vaishali also received the Arjuna Award in 2024, one of the most prestigious awards in India.
Vaishali Rameshbabu is not only an honor to India, she is revolutionizing the game of chess as well. With calm precision and unyielding willpower, Vaishali is one step away from the highest honor. As enthusiasts, we will be supporting her during her match with Ju Wenjun.
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