The 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss concluded in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with two thrilling events that determined new qualifiers for the Candidates Tournaments. While Anish Giri and Matthias Bluebaum emerged as the two Candidates from the Open section, the spotlight shone brightest on India’s R. Vaishali, who achieved a historic success in the Women’s Grand Swiss.
Women’s Grand Swiss: Vaishali’s Historic Triumph
India’s R. Vaishali scored 8/11 to win the Women’s Grand Swiss, securing her second consecutive title in this prestigious event. She edged out Kateryna Lagno, who also finished on 8/11, thanks to superior tie-breaks. Both Vaishali and Lagno have now qualified for the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament.
This marks the first time in history that a player has won the Women’s Grand Swiss twice in a row, underlining Vaishali’s remarkable consistency at the highest level. Her performance rating crossed 2600, demonstrating her continued rise among the world’s elite.
Lagno, a multiple-time world championship contender, once again showed her trademark resilience and secured a well-deserved return to the Candidates.
Rounding out the top three was the newest GM among female chess players – Bibisara Assaubayeva of Kazakhstan, who impressed with an undefeated run. Though she narrowly missed a Candidates spot this time, her fighting spirit kept her in contention until the final round.
Inspiring Battles in the Open
While all eyes were on the qualification race in the Open section, two women players made a powerful statement by competing there instead of in the women’s tournament. Divya Deshmukh and Alexandra Goryachkina both remarkably achieved an identical performance rating of 2613, finishing in 81st and 82nd place respectively.
Their results included victories over some of the strongest names in the field: Divya defeated Grandmasters Amin Bassem and Velimir Ivic, while Goryachkina overcame Daniil Yuffa, Dmitrij Kollars, and former Candidates finalist Boris Gelfand.
Even more memorably, the tournament produced a dream encounter when Divya faced reigning World Champion Gukesh D – a clash that momentarily eclipsed the Candidates race. After a gripping 103-move battle, Divya held her ground and secured a draw, making a powerful statement for women in chess worldwide.
Both Divya Deshmukh and Alexandra Goryachkina already hold places in the next Women’s Candidates, but chose to test themselves against world-class opposition in the Open. Their courage and success stand as an inspiration for all women and girls.
Open Grand Swiss: Giri and Bluebaum Break Through
The Open section also delivered dramatic results. Anish Giri claimed clear first place with 8/11, going unbeaten and capping his run with a crucial victory over Hans Niemann in the final round.
The second Candidates spot went to Matthias Bluebaum of Germany, who scored 7.5/11. Remarkably, Bluebaum entered the tournament as the 32nd seed, well outside the top contenders, but his steady play and strong tie-breaks carried him through to a career-defining qualification.
A Tournament of Rising Stars and Lasting Achievements
The Grand Swiss once again highlighted both the depth of global chess talent and the strength of women’s chess. Vaishali’s historic win, alongside the bold performances of Divya and Goryachkina in the Open, highlights the growing strength and confidence of women in chess. Their achievements serve as a powerful inspiration for girls everywhere, showing that talent, courage, and ambition can break any barrier and shine on the world stage.
For the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, these results go beyond the scoreboard – they reflect a fearless new generation that refuses to set limits. And we can’t wait to see where it takes us all!
Photos by Michal Walusza / FIDE
