Vaishali wins FIDE Women's Grand Swiss again, qualifies for 2026 Candidates
Indian grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu won the FIDE Women's Grand Swiss 2025 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on 15 September 2025, becoming the first player to win the event twice in a row and qualifying for the 2026 Women's Candidates.
Summary
Indian grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu won the FIDE Women's Grand Swiss 2025 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, which ended on 15 September 2025. Vaishali drew with China's Tan Zhongyi in the 11th and final round to finish on 8/11, level with Russia's Kateryna Lagno, and took first place on tiebreak. It was her second consecutive Women's Grand Swiss title, something never achieved before in either the women's or the open section. Both Vaishali and Lagno qualified for the 2026 Women's Candidates Tournament. In the open section, Anish Giri won with 8/11 and Matthias Bluebaum took the second Candidates spot. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Vaishali, calling her win an 'outstanding accomplishment'.
Key facts
- Event / venue
- FIDE Women's Grand Swiss 2025, Samarkand, Uzbekistan (ended 15 Sep)
- Score
- 8/11; level with Kateryna Lagno, won on tiebreak
- Record
- First player to win the Grand Swiss twice in a row
- Qualified
- 2026 Women's Candidates (Vaishali and Lagno)
- Open section
- Anish Giri won; Matthias Bluebaum also qualified
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Where was the FIDE Women's Grand Swiss 2025, won by Vaishali Rameshbabu, held?
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Correct answer: D — Samarkand, Uzbekistan
The FIDE Grand Swiss and Women's Grand Swiss 2025 were held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, ending on 15 September 2025.
Consider the following statements about Vaishali Rameshbabu's win at the FIDE Women's Grand Swiss 2025: 1. She became the first player to win the Grand Swiss twice in a row. 2. She finished in clear first place, a full point ahead of the rest of the field. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: FIDE said a second consecutive Grand Swiss win had never been achieved before in either section. Statement 2 is incorrect: Vaishali and Kateryna Lagno both scored 8/11, and Vaishali took first place on tiebreak.
Apart from Vaishali Rameshbabu, which player qualified for the 2026 Women's Candidates Tournament from the FIDE Women's Grand Swiss 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Kateryna Lagno
Russia's Kateryna Lagno also scored 8/11 and, with Vaishali, took the two Candidates spots from the Women's Grand Swiss; Bibisara Assaubayeva finished third.