The prestigious event, part of the 2024–2025 FIDE Women’s Grand Prix series, is the third leg of the circuit, bringing together some of the world’s top female chess players. They are competing for crucial Grand Prix points that will determine qualification for the next FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament—the gateway to the Women’s World Championship.
A total prize fund of €80,000 is at stake, with intense battles ahead!
Participants of the Monaco Grand Prix:
♟️ GM Tan Zhongyi (CHN) – FIDE rating: 2561
♟️ GM Aleksandra Goryachkina (FID) – FIDE rating: 2546
♟️ GM Humpy Koneru (IND) – FIDE rating: 2523
♟️ GM Kateryna Lagno (FID) – FIDE rating: 2515
♟️ GM Harika Dronavalli (IND) – FIDE rating: 2489
♟️ GM Alexandra Kosteniuk (SUI) – FIDE rating: 2484
♟️ IM Bibisara Assaubayeva (KAZ) – FIDE rating: 2492
♟️ IM Sarasadat Khademalsharieh (ESP) – FIDE rating: 2458
♟️ GM Elisabeth Paehtz (GER) – FIDE rating: 2427
♟️ IM Batkhuyag Munguntuul (MGL) – FIDE rating: 2331
The tournament takes place from February 17th to February 28th, 2025.
Women’s Chess Paradise
Monaco has long been a major hub for women’s chess development, having hosted numerous prestigious tournaments over the years. Most recently, in January 2025, the Principality organized the European Women’s Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship, featuring 119 female players from 26 countries and offering a record prize fund of €46,500. In February 2022, Monaco also celebrated the European Women’s Chess Gala, a multi-event dedicated to promoting women’s chess, including simultaneous exhibitions and special awards.
The Director of the Monaco Grand Prix is Jean-Michel Rapaire, a key figure in the chess community who was honored at the FIDE100 Gala with the ‘Advocate for Women’s Chess’ award for his dedication to promoting and supporting women’s chess worldwide.
Current Standings in the Women’s Grand Prix Series
Before the start of the Monaco leg, the current leaders the overall standings are:
1. Bibisara Assaubayeva – 182.5 points
2. Stavroula Tsolakidou – 149.17
3. Alina Kashlinskaya – 130
Start with a big upset
The first round of the event took place on the 18th of February and did not disappoint. Out of 5 match-ups we had 3 resultative games!
Game between Elisabeth Paehtz and a former Women’s World Champion Tan Zhongyi ended in a draw, as well as a match between Bibisara Assaubayeva and Sarasadat Khademalsharieh.
Then it was time for fireworks. In a big game between two Indian stars Humpy Koneru, current World Rapid Champion, and Harika Dronavalli, current Olympic Champion, it was Koneru who secured a win despite playing with Black pieces.
In the game between Kateryna Lagno and Aleksandra Goryachkina we have seen a great display of technique from Lagno, who was pushing in a better endgame. Goryachkina is almost an unbreakable player, so this win might be a very important one.
The biggest upset of the game was undoubtedly in a game between Batkhuyag Munguntuul and Alexandra Kosteniuk – on the paper the lowest rated player in the tournament won against a former world champion. However we all know that in chess ratings do not decide the outcome and everyone can be dangerous; everyone is – in Women’s Grand Prix event.
Everything is wide open in the tournament, but with such an exciting 1st round – make sure not to miss the action!
Follow the games live and stay updated on results at the official website.
Photos by Niki Riga
