Chinese grandmaster Ju Wenjun has solidified her place as one of the greatest female chess players in history by clinching her fifth consecutive Women’s World Chess Championship title in 2025. Her latest triumph in Chongqing, China, against compatriot Tan Zhongyi, not only marked her as the first Chinese player to achieve this feat but also placed her among an elite group of women—Vera Menchik, Nona Gaprindashvili, and Maia Chiburdanidze—who have won the prestigious title five times. At 34, Ju’s dominance, resilience, and strategic brilliance set her apart from her peers, making her a towering figure in the chess world.
A Historic Reign
Ju’s journey to her fifth title began in 2018 when she first claimed the championship by defeating Tan Zhongyi. Since then, she has defended her crown in 2018, 2020, 2023, and now 2025, maintaining an unbroken reign that will extend into its eighth year. This longevity is remarkable in a sport where mental fortitude and adaptability are constantly tested. Her 6.5-2.5 victory in the 2025 final, a best-of-12 match, showcased her ability to recover from an early setback and dominate with a four-game winning streak, securing the title with a draw in the final game.
What distinguishes Ju is her consistency at the highest level. Ranked world No. 2, she has faced formidable opponents, including world No. 3 Tan Zhongyi, who pushed her to the limit in multiple high-stakes encounters. Their rivalry, spanning the 2017 quarterfinals, 2018 final, and 2025 final, underscores Ju’s ability to prevail under pressure. Unlike many of her peers, Ju combines tactical precision with psychological resilience, turning challenging positions into opportunities for victory.
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Surpassing Her Peers
Ju’s achievements place her in a league of her own among contemporary female chess players. While players like Tan Zhongyi and India’s Humpy Koneru remain formidable, none have matched Ju’s sustained dominance. Her five titles surpass the records of most modern players, with only the legendary Judit Polgár, who never competed for the women’s title but dominated open tournaments, rivaling her in impact. Ju’s ability to maintain peak performance over nearly a decade contrasts with the shorter reigns of predecessors like Xie Jun, China’s first women’s world champion, who won two titles.
Statistically, Ju’s 2025 final performance was a masterclass. Her four consecutive wins after trailing early demonstrated a rare ability to shift momentum, a trait less pronounced in peers like Russia’s Alexandra Kosteniuk or Ukraine’s Anna Muzychuk, who have each held the title once. Ju’s prize of 300,000 euros ($341,000) for the 2025 victory, while significant, pales in comparison to the historical weight of her achievement. She has redefined excellence in women’s chess, setting a benchmark that will be difficult to surpass.
A Legacy in the Making
Beyond her titles, Ju’s influence extends to inspiring a new generation of players, particularly in China, where chess is gaining popularity. Her methodical approach, described by Ju herself as finding her “zone” during critical moments, offers a blueprint for aspiring grandmasters. Unlike some peers who rely on aggressive openings, Ju’s versatility—blending classical strategy with dynamic play—makes her a complete player.
As Ju continues her professional journey, her focus on addressing weaknesses, as noted by Tan’s post-match comments, reflects a growth mindset that keeps her ahead of the competition. With no immediate rival poised to challenge her dominance, Ju Wenjun’s legacy as the queen of chess is far from complete. Her fifth title is not just a milestone but a testament to her unparalleled skill, determination, and place in chess history.
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