Ju Wenjun Secures Fifth Fide Women’s World Chess Championship

Ju Wenjun Reigns Supreme: Wins Fifth Fide Women’s World Chess Championship

In a stunning display of dominance, Ju Wenjun has once again solidified her status as the undisputed queen of the chessboard. The 34-year-old Chinese grandmaster clinched the 2025 Fide Women’s World Championship in Chongqing, defeating her compatriot and longtime rival Tan Zhongyi by a commanding score of 6½–2½.

This victory marks Ju’s fifth world title win, placing her in an elite class alongside chess legends Vera Menchik, Nona Gaprindashvili, and Maia Chiburdanidze. The best-of-12-games match ended with three contests to spare after Ju secured a draw in game nine, capping off a remarkable stretch of four consecutive wins.

Despite an early setback with a loss in the second game, Ju rallied back with a series of impressive victories, breaking open the match and securing her reign for an eighth year. Her strategic prowess and unwavering focus throughout the competition showcased her exceptional skill and determination.

The rivalry between Ju and Tan dates back nearly a decade, with Tan eliminating Ju in 2017 before Ju claimed her first world title in a rematch the following year. Since then, Ju has successfully defended her crown in various formats, solidifying her reputation as a formidable force in women’s chess.

The 2025 championship match, staged across both players’ hometowns of Shanghai and Chongqing, symbolized the shared history and national dominance of Chinese women’s chess. Ju’s decisive victory not only secured her place in chess history but also highlighted her exceptional talent and strategic brilliance.

As Ju celebrates her latest triumph, both players are set to return to international competition next month, with Tan competing in Austria and Sweden, and Ju in Norway. Ju’s victory not only adds another accolade to her impressive resume but also serves as a testament to her enduring legacy in the world of chess.