The FIDE Women’s Grand Prix 2024–25 is a prestigious series of six chess tournaments, bringing together the world’s top female players to compete for coveted spots in the Women’s Candidates Tournament. The series not only showcases high-level competition but also plays a pivotal role in determining the future challengers for the Women’s World Chess Championship.
Series Overview and Standings
As of March 2025, three of the six tournaments have been concluded:
- Tbilisi, Georgia (14–25 August 2024): The inaugural event was won by Polish International Master Alina Kashlinskaya, who scored 6 points. Kazakhstani IM Bibisara Assaubayeva finished second with 5.5 points.
- Shymkent, Kazakhstan (29 October–9 November 2024): Russian Grandmaster Aleksandra Goryachkina secured first place with an impressive 7 points, followed by Chinese GM Tan Zhongyi with 6.5 points.
- Monaco (17-28): The third leg saw another victory for GM Aleksandra Goryachkina, further solidifying her lead in the overall standings.
The current standings are as follows:
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Upcoming Fourth Leg: Nicosia, Cyprus
The fourth tournament is scheduled to take place in Nicosia, Cyprus, from 15–24 March 2025. This event is particularly significant as it marks the halfway point of the series, and performances here could be decisive for players aiming to secure a spot in the Women’s Candidates Tournament.
Participants for the Nicosia Leg:
- Aleksandra Goryachkina (Russia)
- Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine)
- Zhu Jiner (China)
- Nana Dzagnidze (Georgia)
- Mariya Muzychuk (Ukraine)
- Harika Dronavalli (India)
- Divya Deshmukh (India)
- Stavroula Tsolakidou (Greece)
- Olga Badelka (Belarus)
- Elisabeth Pähtz (Germany)
Goryachkina, currently leading the series, enters this leg as the top seed. Her consistent performance makes her a formidable contender, and many eyes will be on her to see if she can extend her lead.
Significance of the Series
The FIDE Women’s Grand Prix series is instrumental in shaping the future landscape of women’s chess. The top two players in the overall standings, after all six events, will earn spots in the Women’s Candidates Tournament. This tournament determines the challenger for the Women’s World Chess Championship, making each game in the Grand Prix series critical.
As the series progresses, the competition intensifies, with each participant aiming to secure their place in chess history. The upcoming Nicosia leg promises exciting matches and potential shifts in the leaderboard, keeping fans and enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the outcomes.
For detailed standings and more information, visit https://womengrandprix.fide.com
