India’s Divya Deshmukh Wins FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 | Is Divya Deshmukh a Grandmaster (GM)?

Divya Deshmukh, a 19-year-old chess prodigy from Nagpur, scripted history by winning the FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup 2025 held in Batumi, Georgia. The all-Indian final saw her face off against the veteran Koneru Humpy, a legend in Indian chess. In a gripping match that went into rapid tiebreaks, Divya emerged victorious, etching her name into the record books.

But that’s not all. With this monumental win, Divya Deshmukh has officially become a Grandmaster (GM)—a rare and prestigious title in the chess world.

Who Is Divya Deshmukh?

Born on December 9, 2005, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Divya Deshmukh is a chess prodigy who started playing the game at the tender age of four. Growing up in a family of medical professionals, she balanced academics and chess with remarkable discipline. Over the years, Divya showcased consistent performance in various national and international tournaments, quickly climbing the ranks.

Her key achievements before the World Cup included:

• Winning the 2023 Asian Continental Women’s Championship

• Securing the World U-20 Girls Championship 2024 with a near-perfect score

• Outperforming world-class players in the 2023 Tata Steel Women’s Rapid tournament

Divya Deshmukh’s Major Achievements

Divya Deshmukh’s Victory at the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025

The FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 final was a showdown between two generations of Indian chess champions: the experienced Koneru Humpy and the young rising star, Divya Deshmukh.

Final Match Highlights:

• The two classical games ended in tense draws.

• The match went to rapid tie-breakers, where Divya showcased exceptional skill and calm.

• On the 54th move of the second rapid game, Humpy made a crucial error, allowing Divya to seize the advantage.

• Divya converted the opportunity into a win, sealing the match with a final score of 2.5–1.5.

• This victory made Divya the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup.

• She earned $50,000 as prize money from a total prize fund of $691,250.

Is Divya Deshmukh a Grandmaster (GM)?

Yes, Divya Deshmukh officially became a Grandmaster with this victory, making her the 88th Grandmaster of India and only the fourth Indian woman to achieve the GM title after Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, and Vaishali R.

What Does Becoming a Grandmaster Mean?

• The Grandmaster title is the highest title awarded by FIDE (International Chess Federation) and is recognized worldwide.

• It reflects exceptional skill, consistency, and performance at elite chess tournaments.

• Divya’s win at the World Cup gave her the required norms and rating, earning her the title instantly.

• Remarkably, she did not have any GM norms before this tournament, making her achievement even more extraordinary.

What’s Next for Divya Deshmukh?

By winning the Women’s World Cup, Divya has qualified for the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026, which is the gateway to challenge the reigning Women’s World Chess Champion. Her victory has catapulted her into the global chess spotlight, and chess enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await her next moves.

Conclusion

Divya Deshmukh’s triumph at the FIDE Women’s World Cup and her rise to Grandmaster status marks a new chapter for Indian chess. Her journey from a young girl in Nagpur to becoming a global chess icon inspires millions of aspiring chess players across India. With her talent and determination, Divya is set to make a lasting impact on the international chess arena.

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