In a thrilling climax at the FIDE Women’s World Cup in Batumi, Georgia, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh from Nagpur etched her name in chess history on July 28, 2025, defeating veteran Koneru Humpy in a nail-biting tiebreaker. After two drawn classical games, the final hinged on rapid chess, where Divya seized the moment with black pieces in the second tiebreaker, capitalizing on Humpy’s rare missteps to secure a 1.5-0.5 victory. The young International Master’s poise under pressure against the seasoned World No. 5 and rapid chess champion turned the tournament’s final day into a showcase of emerging talent, marking a stunning upset in the chess world.
Divya’s win not only crowned her the 2025 Women’s World Cup champion but also earned her the coveted Grandmaster title, making her India’s fourth female GM. The chess community erupted with praise, with officials and fans hailing her rise from an 18th seed to champion, a feat that also qualifies her for the 2026 Candidates Tournament. Humpy, despite the loss, received applause for a spirited challenge, while Divya’s emotional reflection—“I think it was fate”—resonated widely. Reported on July 28, this triumph has sparked celebrations across India, with the young prodigy’s journey from Nagpur to global stardom fueling excitement for the future of women’s chess.
