Monaco Welcomes the World’s Best for the 2025 Women’s Grand Prix -

The 2025 FIDE Women’s Grand Prix continues in Monaco, a premier destination for elite women’s chess. The city recently hosted the European Women’s Rapid and Blitz Championship, further solidifying its reputation. Now, ten of the world’s strongest female players will compete for crucial Grand Prix points.

A Prestigious Setting

The event takes place at the Novotel Hotel Monte Carlo, an eco-certified venue in the heart of Monaco. Located near major landmarks, it provides the perfect setting for this high-stakes competition.

How the Grand Prix Works

The 2024–25 Women’s Grand Prix features 20 players, each competing in three of six tournaments. Every leg follows a 10-player round-robin format. Players earn points based on their standings, and the top two scorers will qualify for the 2026 FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament.

Each event offers a €80,000 prize fund, with an additional €120,000 awarded to the top 10 players in the overall standings. Since opportunities to earn points are limited, this tournament is critical.

Also Read: Indian Chess Achievements 2024 – Celebrated by AICF

The Contenders

The tournament features a powerhouse lineup of established champions and rising stars, all eager to strengthen their positions in the race for the Candidates Tournament.

Aleksandra Goryachkina arrives after an undefeated victory in Shymkent, where she earned 130 Grand Prix points.
Bibisara Assaubayeva, the current leader with 182.5 points, plays her final event and aims to extend her lead.
Kateryna Lagno, a Grand Prix veteran, competes in her second leg of the cycle.
Sarasadat Khademalsharieh replaces Ju Wenjun, who opted out. After struggling in Tbilisi, she hopes to improve in Monaco.
Harika Dronavalli, playing her first Grand Prix event, helped India win gold at the Women’s Olympiad.
Humpy Koneru, another Indian star, won the 2024 Women’s World Rapid Championship but had mixed results in Shymkent.
Tan Zhongyi, a former world champion, narrowly missed first place in Shymkent and is eager for a top finish.
Elisabeth Paehtz, a Grand Prix regular, seeks to improve her standing after competing in Shymkent.
Batkhuyag Munguntuul earned her spot through the 2023 FIDE Grand Swiss and returns for her second event.
Alexandra Kosteniuk, a former world champion, recently won bronze in the European Women’s Blitz Championship.