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What Is the 2025 Women’s Chess World Cup?

The Women’s Chess World Cup is one of FIDE’s premier international events, bringing together the world’s strongest female players for a high-stakes, knockout-format tournament. Introduced in 2021, the competition offers a mix of endurance and elite-level chess, with each match deciding who advances and who goes home.

Held every two years, the Women’s World Cup is more than just a title event, as it’s also a major step toward the Women’s World Chess Championship. The top three finishers earn a spot in the Women’s Candidates Tournament, making every round a test of both skill and nerve.

While there is a substantial financial prize on offer, this World Cup is more than just a contest for money. This popular tournament captures what it is that makes women’s chess so compelling: fierce rivalries, talented newcomers, and the raw determination of players chasing fame and fortune on the world stage.

Where and When Will the 2025 Women’s Chess World Cup Take Place?

The 2025 Women’s Chess World Cup will run from 5 July to 29 July in Toronto, Canada, marking the tournament’s first-ever appearance in North America. The event will bring together 107 top female players from around the globe to compete across several high-stakes rounds of classical chess.

Held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the venue combines spacious playing halls with easy access for international visitors. The surrounding area offers great sightseeing and entertainment districts, ensuring a lively backdrop for anyone attending.

Venue Highlights include:

• Centrally located near Toronto’s harbourfront and downtown core
• Purpose-built spaces for spectator viewing and press coverage
• On-site hospitality and practice areas for players and teams
• Easy transport links, including nearby Union Station and Pearson Airport

From breakout performances to nail-biting finishes, the 2025 Women’s Chess World Cup offers something for every fan of the game.

Prize Money Breakdown: What’s at Stake?

While the prestige of the Women’s Chess World Cup lies in its title and the coveted spot in the Candidates Tournament, the financial rewards also carry weight. With a total prize fund of $676,250, the tournament ensures that every win counts on the board…and in the bank.

For many players, especially rising stars from underfunded federations, the prize money can help cover training, travel, and living costs. Though the figures may seem modest compared to elite open tournaments, the structure still offers meaningful progression with each round.

While the figures vary, this prize structure gives players a real incentive to push deeper into the tournament. Every round cleared brings a bit more breathing room, allowing players to pay for coaching and travel, while offering the financial stability needed to fully focus on the game.

Who’s Playing at the 2025 Women’s Chess World Cup?

Among the 107 players from around the globe at the 2025 Women’s Chess World Cup, there will be a mix of seasoned Grandmasters, top-ranked young talents, and national champions from all FIDE zones. Each has earned their spot through a mix of continental events, federation nominations, and rating qualifications.

One of the most recognisable names is Ju Wenjun, the reigning Women’s World Champion, who enters as one of the clear favourites. She’s joined by a strong Chinese contingent, including Lei Tingjie and Tan Zhongyi, both of whom have deep knockout experience and have contested world titles themselves.

Other standout players include:

• Alexandra Kosteniuk – Former World Champion with proven Cup-winning pedigree
• Vaishali Rameshbabu – Indian prodigy and sister of GM Praggnanandhaa, rising fast in the rankings
• Nurgyul Salimova – Bulgaria’s rising star, finalist in the 2023 Women’s World Cup
• Anna Muzychuk – Longtime Ukrainian top board with deep tournament experience
• Polina Shuvalova – A Dynamic young Russian player known for her sharp, tactical style

Players come from over 40 countries, with strong representation from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. While some are aiming for the title, others are chasing a breakout run and perhaps a shot at qualification for the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament.

Tournament Format & Structure

The 2025 Women’s Chess World Cup unfolds as a high-pressure knockout battle, featuring the world’s top players. With only two players standing at the end of seven intense rounds, every match is a do-or-die encounter. Here’s how the tournament will play out.

Round 1 – The Battle Begins

The tournament kicks off with 82 players in Round 1, while the top 25 seeds earn byes into Round 2. For these opening competitors, it’s an early test of nerves with one match, two classical games, and a place in the next round on the line.

Rounds 2–4 – Into the Fire

From Round 2 onward, the full field is in play. Each match consists of two classical games, followed (if tied) by rapid, blitz, and finally armageddon tiebreakers. As the mental fatigue builds, even top seeds face danger, with the temperature building to boiling point.

Quarterfinals & Semifinals – No Room for Error

By the quarterfinals, only the best eight remain. This is where all the practice pays dividends, and psychological resilience becomes so critical. Every move is loaded with meaning, and one mistake can undo weeks of planning.

Final & Third-Place Playoff – More Than Just a Trophy

Before the final, the two semifinal losers battle for third place. Just for reaching this point, both finalists secure coveted spots in the next Women’s Candidates Tournament, and it’s time for the last matchup to determine the overall winner.

Who Will Win the Women’s Chess World Cup 2025?

This Women’s Chess World Cup is going to be as much about stamina and mental endurance as raw talent. With every round a potential exit, even the strongest names face real risk. Let’s take a look at how the main challengers shape up.

With such a deep and competitive field, no result would be a true shock and in past Women’s Chess World Cups have proven that momentum often matters more than reputation.