- Divya Deshmukh won the FIDE Women's Chess World Cup 2025 championship, beating veteran Koneru Humpy in the final
- The win gave her last Grandmaster norm, and she became India's 88th Grandmaster
- Her shock run through the tournament has been likened to a fairy tale of victory à la Hollywood
19-year-old Divya Deshmukh broke history in the FIDE Women's Chess World Cup 2025 by winning against the veteran Koneru Humpy in the final to become India's 88th Grandmaster. She wasn't even a GM prior to the game, surprisingly—but not only did she win the coveted title but also qualified for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
Divya's experience in the tournament was a Hollywood underdog tale. Obviously overcome with emotion after the win, she fell to the ground in tears, overwhelmed by the reality of what had transpired. Taking a moment to catch her breath, she ran to the sideline and hugged her mother, who comforted her after the hard-fought victory.
The last saw both of the classical games end in draws, taking the match into fast tiebreaks. Divya had her way to emerge 1.5-0.5, securing the second rapid game and drawing the first. Her outstanding performance earned compliments from all around the chess community. Great Grandmaster Judit Polgar congratulated Divya's victory on social media by stating:
Congratulations to @DivyaDeshmukh05, who claimed the 2025 Women's Chess World Cup championship by beating compatriot Koneru Humpy in a hair-raising tiebreak.
She also went on to say, "Indian chess is unbelievable! But do not forget: it has reasons." India's supremacy in international chess has risen in recent times, with names such as D Gukesh (current men's World Champion), R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, R Vaishali, and Humpy becoming household names. Divya's emergence further cements India's presence in the world of chess.
After winning the World Cup, Divya jumped to 15th position in the Classical live chess rating, a rise from 18th. Her emotional triumph was trending on social media, with hearts beating in unison all over the country. There was widespread congratulatory support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chess prodigy Viswanathan Anand among others who praised her remarkable win and stellar ascent.
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