Chess is more than just a sport – it is an art, a science, a philosophy and even a form of theatre, where every match tells its own story. Increasingly, women are stepping into the spotlight in these stories. Their achievements captivate the world, and FIDE actively invests in the growth of women’s chess by expanding tournaments, increasing prize funds and creating new pathways for young talent.
Today, thousands of women worldwide are embracing chess, drawing inspiration from champions like Bibisara Assaubayeva, a two-time world blitz champion and leader of Kazakhstan’s women’s team.
The FIDE database lists 18,145 Kazakhstan’s chess players, with 2,909 of them being women. These players have delivered remarkable victories for their country. The national women’s team ranks among the world’s elite after securing silver at the 2023 World Team Championship in Bydgoszcz, Poland, and at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, in 2024. Bibisara Assaubaeyeva, leading the team, is a new representative of global chess and a role model for the next generation.
Qazaq Queens Chess Fest 2025 is not just another tournament – it is a true celebration of chess. The competition will follow a nine-round Swiss system to determine the strongest players and is open to participants of all ages and ratings.
The prize pool totals KZT 2 million (approximately USD 4,000), with the champion receiving KZT 500,000, the runner-up KZT 400,000, and third place KZT 300,000. Additional prizes of KZT 100,000 each will be awarded to the top players in age categories under 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18, as well as in the over-50 and over-65 divisions.
Other events celebrating women
Almaty is not the only city hosting major women’s chess tournaments on March 7 and 8. Around the world, top female players will be competing in Wrocław, Poland, at Memorial of Apolonia Litwinska – rapid event for women&girls; Saint-Tropez, France – a simultaneous exhibition against 24 opponents, led by the Ukrainian quad sisters, the Prochaievs (Alina, Tina, Yelyzaveta and Olha, all aged 15); Nairobi, Kenya, at the 3rd Queens Rapid Chess Tournament; and Kampala, Uganda, at the 4th Queens of Chess Rapid Chess Tournament.
Additionally, from March 7 to 14th, Wrocław will host the Memorial of Krystyna Hołuj-Radzikowska 2025 (Women Chess Festival – Memorial of Krystyna Hołuj-Radzikowska), now in its 14th edition. This festival offers a variety of events, with the highlight being a match between Poland’s strongest female players and the Rest of the World Team. Representing Poland’s “white and red” chess queens this year are Alina Kashlinskaya, Klaudia Kulon, Aleksandra Maltsevskaya, Karina Cyfka and Jolanta Zawadzka.
Transforming the chess world for the better
The development of women’s chess is one of FIDE’s top priorities. Supporting young talent, organising elite tournaments and broadening professional opportunities all contribute to making chess more accessible and appealing to women. Today, female players are not just competing – they are setting trends, inspiring and transforming the chess world.
Qazaq Queens Chess Fest 2025 is more than just a competition – it is a tribute to the transformative power of women in chess. From Almaty to Wrocław, from Saint-Tropez to Kampala, these players take to the board to make history.
