The FIDE Women’s Grand Prix (WGP) 2024–2025 is reaching its thrilling conclusion, with the final leg set to commence in Grosslobming, Austria, from May 5 to 16. This prestigious series has showcased the pinnacle of women’s chess, featuring six tournaments across the globe and offering a substantial prize fund of €600,000. More importantly, it serves as a critical pathway to the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026, determining who will challenge for the World Championship title.
Who is going to be the winner of the whole Grand Prix and who will be the two qualifiers to the next Candidates?
A Recap of the Journey So Far
Five out of the six tournaments of the Grand Prix series have been played already. Top female players in the world were fighting in those extremely strong events for the chance to qualify for the Candidates and for great prize money!
Tbilisi, Georgia (August 2024)
Alina Kashlinskaya, playing for Poland, won the first leg with 6 points, edging out Bibisara Assaubayeva by half a point. Kashlinskaya became the first player to take the lead in the WGP series, all while being accompanied by her baby son, a rare and inspiring sight at elite tournaments.
Shymkent, Kazakhstan (October 2024)
Aleksandra Goryachkina dominated this leg, securing victory with a round to spare. Tan Zhongyi finished second, half a point behind. Goryachkina’s perfect performance propelled her to the forefront of the series.
Monaco (February 2025)
Goryachkina continued her strong form, winning the third leg in a dramatic three-way tie with Batkhuyag Munguntuul and Koneru Humpy. This result solidified her position at the top of the WGP standings.
Cyprus (March 2025)
In a dramatic finish, Anna Muzychuk and Zhu Jiner tied for first with 6/9. Goryachkina finished just behind, but her consistent performances kept her in the lead in the overall results. This leg brought new players into the title race, with both Muzychuk and Zhu now within striking distance of Goryachkina.
Pune, India (April 2025)
The fifth leg saw Koneru Humpy claim victory, edging out Zhu Jiner on tiebreaks after both finished with seven points. This victory pushed Koneru to second place in the overall standings, with 279.17 points, while Zhu, with the same points, remains a strong contender for the series title.
The Stakes in Austria
As the final leg approaches, the competition intensifies. Aleksandra Goryachkina leads the series with 308.34 points but will not participate in Austria. Now, all eyes turn to Zhu Jiner and Anna Muzychuk, the only two players who can overtake her. Zhu, a rising star from China, needs a top-three finish to leap to the top of the standings. Anna Muzychuk, a veteran competitor and former rapid and blitz world champion, must win the tournament outright to clinch the series.
The pressure is immense. Every point matters. With Goryachkina unable to directly defend her lead, the final leg becomes a true test of nerve, endurance, and ambition!
Who’s Playing in Austria?
The final leg in Grosslobming, Austria, will bring together a stellar field of top players:
1. Zhu Jiner (China) – 235
2. Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine) – 189.17
3. Tan Zhongyi (China) – 170
4. Nana Dzagnidze (Georgia) – 121.67
5. Mariya Muzychuk (Ukraine) – 121.67
6. Rameshbabu Vaishali (India) – 85
7. Alexandra Kosteniuk (Switzerland) – 85
8. Nurgyul Salimova (Bulgaria) – 70
9. Olga Badelka (Belarus) – 25
10. Lela Javakhishvili (Georgia) – 20
Follow the Action
The Women’s Grand Prix is not just a qualifying series—it’s one of the most prestigious competitions in the women’s chess calendar. It brings together the best players in the world, each fighting for points, pride, and a shot at the World Championship. The format demands consistency, mental toughness, and an unrelenting competitive spirit across multiple international events.
As the series culminates, the world will witness who rises to the occasion and earns the right to qualify to the next Candidates to eventually challenge for the World Championship. Exciting games are ahead of us, so make sure to follow it closely!
For more information visit the official website: womengrandprix.fide.com
