Ju Wenjun, Aleksandra Goryachkina and Anna Muzychuk headline Women’s World Cup 2025 in Batumi
Ju Wenjun, Aleksandra Goryachkina and Anna Muzychuk headline Women’s World Cup 2025 in Batumi The FIDE Women’s World Cup — a prestigious knockout chess tournament held every two years — will celebrate its third edition in Batumi, Georgia, from July 5 to 29, 2025. Georgia holds a special place in the history of women’s chess, having produced some of the game’s most legendary female players. Batumi, known for its stunning Black Sea coastline, offers a fitting venue for this major event, which will bring together the world’s top female chess players in a battle for glory. The prize pool is a remarkable USD 676,250, one of the largest ever for a single women’s chess competition. So far, 65 of the 103 participants for the 2025 Women’s World Cup in Batumi have qualified. The remaining spots will be finalized by June 10 — the deadline for eligible federations to submit their nominations. Additionally, the five rating qualifiers will be announced by June 1. Players qualified for the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 Women’s World Championship 2025 (1 player) Ju Wenjun (CHN) – winner Women’s World Cup 2023 (4 players) Goryachkina, Aleksandra (FIDE) – semi finalist Salimova, Nurgyul (BUL) – semi finalist Muzychuk, Anna (UKR) – semi finalist Tan Zhongyi (CHN) – semi finalist World Junior Girls Championship 2024 (1 player) Deshmukh, Divya (IND) – champion Rating in June 2025 FIDE Rating List (5 players) – top-5 – top-5 – top-5 – top-5 – top-5 Qualifiers from the Continental events (54 players) Africa February, Jesse Nikki (RSA) – Championship 24 Wafa, Shrook (EGY) – Championship 25 Nassr, Lina (ALG) – Championship 25 Americas Pourkashiyan, Atousa (USA) – Championship 24 Francisco Guecamburu, Candela Be (ARG) – Championship 25 Yip, Carissa (USA) – Zone 2.1 Lee, Alice (USA) – Zone 2.1 Ouellet, Maili-Jade (CAN) – Zone 2.2 Miranda, Tania (MEX) – Zone 2.3.1 Miranda, Yerisbel (CUB) – Zone 2.3.2 Wilson, Hannah (BAR) – Zone 2.3.3 Cori, Deisy (PER) – Zone 2.4 Borda, Ana Paola (ARG) – Zone 2.5 Asia Song Yuxin (CHN) – Championship 25 Mungunzul Bat-Erdene (MGL) – Championship 25 Zahedifar, Anahita (IRI) – Zone 3.1 Ahmed, Wadifa (BAN) – Zone 3.2 Herfesa, Shafira Devi (INA) – Zone 3.3 Khamdamova, Afruza (UZB) – Zone 3.4 Kaliakhmet, Elnaz (KAZ) – Zone 3.4 Kamalidenova, Meruert (KAZ) – Zone 3.4 Gao Muziyan (CHN) – Zone 3.5 Zhang Lanlin (CHN) – Zone 3.5 Zhai Mo (CHN) – Zone 3.5 Wang Chiqiao (CHN) – Zone 3.5 Ryjanova, Julia (AUS) – Zone 3.6 Nandhidhaa P V (IND) – Zone 3.7 Priyanka K (IND) – Zone 3.7 Padmini Rout (IND) – Zone 3.7 Kiran Manisha Mohanty (IND) – Zone 3.7 Lagno, Kateryna (FIDE) – Zone 3.8 Charochkina, Daria (FIDE) – Zone 3.8 Shuvalova, Polina (FIDE) – Zone 3.8 Europe Fataliyeva, Ulviyya (AZE) – Championship 24 Buksa, Nataliya (UKR) – Championship 24 Javakhishvili, Lela (GEO) – Championship 24 Batsiashvili, Nino (GEO) – Championship 24 Bulmaga, Irina (BUL) – Championship 24 Beydullayeva, Govhar (AZE) – Championship 24 Toncheva, Nadya (BUL) – Championship 24 Tsolakidou, Stavroula (GRE) – Championship 24 Mkrtchian, Lilit (ARM) – Championship 24 Sliwicka, Alicja (POL) – Championship 24 Injac, Teodora (SRB) – Championship 25 Narva, Mai (EST) – Championship 25 Maltsevskaya, Aleksandra (POL) – Championship 25 Ushenina, Anna (UKR) – Championship 25 Daulyte-Cornette, Deimante (FRA) – Championship 25 Mammadova, Gulnar (AZE) – Championship 25 Milliet, Sophie (FRA) – Championship 25 Kiolbasa, Oliwia (POL) – Championship 25 Kulon, Klaudia (POL) – Championship 25 Urh, Zala (SLO) – Championship 25 Khotenashvili, Bella (GEO) – Championship 25 Nominees of National Federations (35 players to be announced by June 10) Angola Argentina Armenia Australia Azerbaijan Bulgaria Canada China Egypt France Georgia Greece Hong Kong Hungary India Indonesia Iran Israel Kazakhstan Malaysia Mongolia New Zealand Peru Philippines Poland Spain Sri Lanka Switzerland Tajikistan Turkmenistan Ukraine United Arab Emirates United States of America Uzbekistan Vietman Nominees of the FIDE President (2 players) 101.102. Nominee of the Organiser (1 player) 103. Official website: womenscup2025.fide.com/
Vincent Keymer and Dinara Wagner win 2025 German Championship
Vincent Keymer and Dinara Wagner have emerged as the new German chess champions. Keymer confirmed his status as the pre-tournament favorite by winning the title in convincing fashion, while top seed Wagner triumphed over WGM Hanna Marie Klek in an exciting tiebreaker. The 2025 German Championships took place at Fat Cat GmbH, Munich, Germany, from May 15-23. Both the Masters and Women’s Masters were 10-player round-robin tournaments played under classical time controls. Additionally, Candidates tournaments for lower-rated players were held in both sections. The Masters event was dominated by Vincent Keymer, who steamrolled the competition scoring an impressive 7/9. Despite a last-round loss to Alexander Donchenko, Keymer had already secured the title with a round to spare. Reigning European Champion Matthias Bluebaum took silver with 5.5/9, while Dennis Wagner completed the podium. Wagner’s crucial final-round victory over Marco Dobrikov and his head-to-head win against Frederik Svane gave him the edge for third place. Final standings – Masters 1 GM Keymer, Vincent 2720 7 2 GM Bluebaum, Matthias 2660 5½ 3 GM Wagner, Dennis 2616 5 4 GM Svane, Frederik 2671 5 5 GM Svane, Rasmus 2629 4½ 6 GM Donchenko, Alexander 2615 4½ 7 IM Costa, Leonardo 2531 4½ 8 GM Kraemer, Martin 2581 3½ 9 GM Huschenbeth, Niclas 2601 3½ 10 IM Dobrikov, Marco 2404 2 The Women’s Masters followed a much tighter script, coming down to the wire as IM Dinara Wagner (pictured below, right) and WGM Hanna Marie Klek (pictured below, left) entered the final round tied for first place at 6/8. Both players drew their final-round games, finishing tied at 6.5/9. A two-game rapid tiebreaker was played to determine the champion. Despite being in a lost position in the first game, Wagner rallied to win both encounters and claim the title. Kateryna Dolzhykova finished a full point behind the champion and runner-up, securing the bronze medal. Final standings – Women’s Masters 1 IM Wagner, Dinara 2403 6½ 2 WGM Klek, Hanna Marie 2322 6½ 3 WGM Dolzhykova, Kateryna 2331 5½ 4 WGM Schneider, Jana 2314 5 5 FM Schulze, Lara 2340 4½ 6 WFM Peglau, Charis 2138 4½ 7 WGM Sieber, Fiona 2232 4½ 8 WGM Heinemann, Josefine 2321 4½ 9 WFM Kostak, Tetyana 2092 2 10 WFM Sickmann, Lisa 1970 1½ Photos: German Chess Federation / Stev Bonhage; Deutscher Schachbund Facebook Official website: schachbund.de/deutsche-meisterschaften-2025.html
FIDE World Cadet Championships 2025: Registration now open
FIDE, the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and the Department of Sports of the City of Almaty with support of the Ministry of Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan invite all FIDE member Federations and eligible players to participate in the FIDE World Cadet Chess Championships U8, U10, U12. The competitions will take place from September 18 (arrival) to October 01, 2025 (departure) in Almaty, Kazakhstan. National Federations can register one official player in each category: under 8, 10, and 12 (Open and Girls). The total of six official players and one head of delegation with a valid FIDE ID from the National Federation are invited by the Organizers. All players must not have reached the age of 8, 10 or 12 in their respective categories before January 1, 2025. Personal rights also are granted to the top 3 players in each category of the last World Cadet Championships (2024), the Continental Cadet Champions of 2024 (1st ranked) and the players placed 1-3 in the 2025 FIDE World Cup for youngsters. National federation may register additional players and accompanying persons and being responsible for all related costs. The registration deadline is July 1, 2025. As part of the event, the World Cadet Chess Solving Championship will be held on September 25, across the same six age and gender categories as the over-the-board competitions. FIDE World Cadet Chess Championships 2025 official website (coming soon): worldcadets2025.fide.com E-mail: worldcadet@fide.com Invitation letter, regulations, visa information (PDF)
World Youth Under-16 Chess Olympiad 2025: Registration is open
On behalf of the Organizing Committee of the World Under-16 Chess Olympiad, we are honored to extend a cordial invitation to all FIDE member federations to participate in this prestigious international event, which will be held from August 16 to 23, 2025, in the city of Barranquilla, Colombia. Each official delegation must consist of four (4) players and one (1) team captain, forming a mixed team representing your federation. We are pleased to inform you that accommodation and meals for the official team will be fully covered by the organizers, from August 16 to August 23, 2025. The Under-16 Olympiad will be a celebration of young chess talent, cultural exchange, and international friendship through sport. We are fully committed to providing all delegations with an organized, warm, and memorable experience. All information related to the registration process, official forms, and logistical details is available on our official website: youtholympiad2025.com We sincerely thank you for your attention and remain at your disposal for any questions or further information. It will be a great honor to welcome your delegation to Colombia. Promotional video: https://youtu.be/IxMGL9mk9Ks
2025 African Championship: Bilel Bellahcene and Shrook Wafa claim titles
GM Bilel Bellahcene (Algeria) and WGM Shrook Wafa (Egypt) are the newly crowned African chess champions. The #1 Algerian, Bellahcene edged out to top-seeded Egyptian GMs to secure his maiden title, while Wafa captured her fifth African crown, repeating her successes of 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2019. The 2025 African Chess Championships (Open and Women’s sections), organized in cooperation with the International Chess Confederation (ICC) and the African Chess Federation, were held at the Pyramids Park Hotel in the Pyramids region from May 13–20. Both the Open and Women’s events were 9-round Swiss tournaments played with classical time control, bringing together top players from 17 African countries vying for individual titles. The Open tournament was fiercely contested and evolved into a thrilling race among the rating favorites. Top-seeded GM Bassem Amin (Egypt) took the lead after Round 6 and maintained it until the penultimate round, when he lost to fellow Egyptian GM Ahmed Adly, who caught up with him. Meanwhile, fourth-seed Bellahcene capitalized on the opportunity by defeating GM Ahmed Alaa Ahmed, entering the final round a half-point ahead of the two Egyptian grandmasters. In the final round, Bellahcene (pictured below) achieved a winning position against IM Hamed Wafa, but ultimately settled for a draw. With Amin and Adly both winning their final games, all three players tied for first place. However, Bellahcene secured the championship title on tiebreaks, thanks to the highest average rating of his opponents. Amin took silver, while Adly completed the podium with bronze. Final standings – Open 1 GM Bellahcene, Bilel ALG 2504 7 2 GM Amin, Bassem EGY 2649 7 3 GM Adly, Ahmed EGY 2597 7 4 IM Wafa, Hamed EGY 2367 6½ 5 FM Fadi, Marko EGY 2244 6 6 FM George Samir, David EGY 2346 6 7 IM Ezat, Mohamed EGY 2296 6 8 GM Fawzy, Adham EGY 2513 6 9 Ahmed, Moustafa Elsayed EGY 2079 6 10 FM Yousry, Salah EGY 2256 6 Complete final standings – Open Section In the Women’s event, Shrook Wafa (pictured below, right) delivered a dominant performance, scoring an impressive 8/9. She remained undefeated throughout the tournament, conceding only two draws. The 2023 African Champion, Lina Nassr, finished second with 7/9 to claim the silver medal, while 15-year-old Jana Mohamed Zaki caused a minor sensation by capturing bronze and increasing her rating by 98 points. Final standings – Women 1 WGM Wafa, Shrook EGY 2189 8 2 WIM Nassr, Lina ALG 2029 7 3 Mohamed Zaki, Jana EGY 1891 6½ 4 WGM Wafa, Shahenda EGY 2085 6½ 5 ACM Alaa, Dema EGY 1828 5½ 6 WIM Romany, Joy EGY 1932 5½ 7 WCM Ampaire, Shakira UGA 1784 5½ 8 WIM February, Jesse Nikki RSA 2052 5 9 El Barbry, Sarah MAR 1841 5 10 WCM Bwalya Mulwale, Lubuuto ZAM 1954 5 Complete final standings – Women’s Section Photos: Egyptian Chess Federation
FIDE Delegation applauds Jamaica Chess Federation for leadership in social impact through chess
Kingston, Jamaica – May 20, 2025 — A high-level delegation from FIDE concluded a successful visit to Jamaica from May 17–19, commending the Jamaica Chess Federation (JCF) for its groundbreaking social chess initiatives and longstanding leadership in the Caribbean region. Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, was welcomed to the region by CCA President José Carrillo and CCA Vice President Francisco Cruz. The delegation met with JCF President Peter Myers and key members of the Council, including IM Jomo Pitterson, Maxine Brown, Richard Shaw, Ian Wilkinson KC, and WIM Deborah Richards-Porter. Meetings were also held with Jamaica Olympic and Paralympic Association President Christopher Samuda, representatives from the Department of Correctional Services, and leaders of the Jamaica Society for the Blind. Meeting and demonstration at the Society of the Blind During the visit, the delegation observed the federation’s impactful community outreach programs, including its initiatives in correctional facilities and work with the visually impaired. “The trip to Jamaica was amazing! The federation is powered by people who are not just passionate about chess, but about using it to change lives. Truly a golden team,” said Dana Reizniece. “In this Year of Social Chess, Jamaica’s work with the blind and incarcerated communities exemplifies the very heart of our mission, to make chess accessible and impactful for all.” JCF President Peter Myers expressed gratitude for the visit, noting, “This was a moment to show that chess in Jamaica is more than competition, it’s a tool for transformation. We are committed to expanding access to all communities and deeply appreciate FIDE and CCA’s support.” CCA President Jose Carrillo added, “Jamaica has a rich history of leadership in chess across the Caribbean, and they continue to set the bar in 2025 for FIDE’s Year of Social Chess. The federation’s dedication to inclusion and innovation serves as an inspiration for the entire region. What we’ve witnessed here is a living model of how chess can change lives.” Fransisco Cruz (CCA VP), Jose Carrillo (CCA President) and Dana meeting with the Jamaican Chess Federation As a key outcome of the trip, CCA Vice President Francisco Cruz will return to Jamaica in June to lead a School Instructor Seminar and continue engaging with the JCF’s social initiatives as part of his work with the FIDE Diversity Commission. The delegation departed with renewed inspiration and a commitment to spotlight Jamaica’s efforts as a blueprint for socially impactful chess development.
First Continental-America workshop for Chess for Freedom program held in Mexico
The First Continental (America) workshop for Chess for Freedom program, organized by FIDE, FIDE America, and Mexican National Chess Federation, was held in Mexico City on May 15, 2025. Lic. Raul Hernandez Hernandez, President of the Mexico Chess Federation FENAMAC welcomed the participants and expressed appreciation for their attendance. Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, introduced FIDE major social projects for the 2025 Social Chess year. In addition to the Chess for Freedom project—a true leader in international participation—FIDE supports numerous other social programs, including Chess for Hope, Chess for Protection, Chess for Recovery, and Chess for Longevity. FIDE Social Commission provides more details about those projects. Lic. Jose Antonio Carrilo, President of the FIDE America, introduced numerous social chess projects across the Continent, such as Chess for Connections in Canada, Chess for Life in Colombia, and Chess for Freedom in El Salvador. In his presentation, Mikhail Korenman representing the Cook County (Chicago) Sheriff Organization and a Council for FIDE Social Commission, provided an overview of the Chess for Freedom project’s history and reported that 51 countries are currently involved. He also shared findings from a research study conducted by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office on the potential outcomes of the Chess for Freedom (chess for prisoners) program. FIDE Arbiter Jose Manuel Barradas presented the history and current status of the Chess for Freedom project in Mexico. Mexico just completed the Third National Championship among the prisoners, with 17 teams represented Federal and local correctional institutions across the country. Dr. Renato Sales Heredia, a Former National Security Commissioner of the Government of Mexico, discussed the positive impact of chess in prisons in Mexico. FM Alejandra Zavata Gatindo, Administrative Manager of the Salvadoran Chess Federation, shared insights on team preparation in El Salvador and described how the Chess for Freedom program is expanding in the country. The following day, the participants traveled to the Federal Female Prison CPS Morelos 16. Organized by FIDE, the Continental America Championship for prisoners was officiated by the IA Nebojsa Baralic and IA Ana Srebrnic El Salvador Male and Female teams, the winners of the Continental America Championship El Salvador’s male and female teams won the Open and Women’s sections, respectively, while the Trinidad and Tobago youth team claimed victory in the Youth section. More details about the championship will be provided in a follow-up report covering all continental championships.
FIDE World Junior Rapid and Blitz Championships 2025: Registration now open
FIDE and the Peruvian Chess Sports Federation invite all FIDE member federations to participate in the World Junior U20 Rapid & Blitz Championships 2025. The championships will be held in Lima, the capital of Peru, from September 22 (arrival) to September 29 (departure) 2025. Each federation can register an unlimited number of players. The winners of the World Junior U20 Rapid and Blitz Championship 2024 and the first 10 players on the starting list (10 from the open list and 10 from the girls’ list) will receive free accommodation in a double room and full board. FIDE member Federations should proceed with the registration of their participants. The registration deadline is July 22, 2025. E-mail: juniorrapidblitz@fide.com Official website (coming soon): juniorrapidblitz2025.fide.com Regulations, schedule, visa information (PDF)
Pietrasanta and La Versiliana become global chess landmarks
From June 2 to 15, La Versiliana will host Chess Roads – an exhibition of 40 rare and original chess sets from Asia and Europe. On June 1, the event will open with a match between Faustino Oro and Viswanathan Anand: the youngest titled chess player in the world versus the legendary former World Champion. Chess Roads – The Exhibition Chess Roads – The Exhibition at La Versiliana, Italy, invites you on a mesmerizing journey across continents and centuries. On display are 40 rare and original chess sets from Asia and Europe crafted in ivory, bronze, and wood, spanning from the 1700s to today. This is not just a showcase of objects, but a journey into the extraordinary variety of forms, materials, and meanings chess has taken on through different cultures. Curated by Corrado Ciano, one of Italy’s leading collectors, and Giovanni Longo, a visionary cultural designer, the exhibition is a journey through aesthetics, history, and creativity. It culminates in a dramatic finale; a chessboard designed by renowned artist Enrico Baj, symbolizing the boundless creativity of chess. Ciano, born in Turin and based in Milan, discovered the game through his father and became captivated by it during the legendary 1972 Fischer–Spassky match. What began as a passion evolved into a remarkable collection, now revealed to the public for the very first time. Giovanni Longo adds a contemporary and symbolic dimension to the exhibition, enriching the display with works that explore the relationship between art and play. The exhibition culminates with an iconic chessboard created by Enrico Baj, symbolising the creative freedom and artistic depth of the chess world. Clash of Generations Preceding the exhibition, on Sunday, June 1, a spectacular match will take place between 10-year-old Argentine prodigy Faustino Oro and 5x World Champion Viswanathan Anand. A symbolic and thrilling “David vs. Goliath” encounter, the match recalls some of the most epic generational duels in chess history. Organized by Unichess and conceived by Grandmaster Roberto Mogranzini and passionate chess lover Andrea Bocelli, the match will shine an international spotlight on this corner of Tuscany. Chess.com, the global platform with over 160 million registered users, will broadcast the match in three languages, reaching a worldwide audience of enthusiasts. The event opens with a carriage parade from Forte dei Marmi and Pietrasanta to Villa La Versiliana—symbolically crossing the territory that will host this celebration of chess, the third most played sport in India and one of the most practiced globally, with over 650 million players. Following the match, the winner will face twenty guests in a simultaneous exhibition. The entire event will be hosted by none other than Andrea Bocelli, a Versilia local and chess aficionado, who will welcome guests to this exclusive, invitation-only event for a select international and Italian audience of chess lovers. Organisers, partners, and public authorities have expressed deep enthusiasm for the project: “Since its beginning—now in its 46th edition—La Versiliana has offered refined entertainment, reflection, dialogue, and constant innovation for both locals and visitors who choose Versilia as their beloved destination. It’s in the DNA of one of Italy’s longest-running festivals to seek renewal. The chess world and its sporting culture represent a new path we’re excited to explore—looking to the future and working with excellence. That’s why we immediately embraced Andrea Bocelli and Roberto Mogranzini’s idea to organize an exhibition of exquisite chessboards and to welcome world-class players and amateurs from around the globe. The aim is to make Pietrasanta and Versilia an international chess hub. I thank Andrea Bocelli and Roberto Mogranzini for creating this opportunity to engage stakeholders and chess lovers worldwide in our cultural journey.”– Paola Rovellini, President of the Versiliana Foundation “Never before, in this fragile historical moment, has sports culture served as such a hopeful bridge between people and communities. The Municipality of Pietrasanta is proud to support this beautiful initiative at La Versiliana, a cultural beacon for over 40 summers. The exhibition will be appreciated by residents and tourists alike, and the match—broadcast globally—will be a remarkable promotional vehicle for Versilia. Pietrasanta confirms itself as a cultural powerhouse.”– Alberto Stefano Giovannetti, Mayor of Pietrasanta “What better place to merge sport and culture? For Andrea and me, Versilia and its festival were the natural choice. This will be a unique event for those who view chess not just as a game, but as an intellectual discipline uniting art, science, and strategy. The match between legends Vishy Anand and Faustino Oro will recall epic past duels like Kasparov vs. Carlsen, and the exhibition—curated by Corrado Ciano and Giovanni Longo—will be an aesthetic journey through time. The final piece, a chessboard by Enrico Baj, pays tribute to Pietrasanta’s devotion to contemporary art.” – Roberto Mogranzini, President of Unichess “As President of the Italian Chess Federation, I’m proud to endorse the Pietrasanta, Versilia Chess Roads project, which celebrates chess as both a competitive sport and an international showcase of art and culture. The exhibition of historic boards from the 1700s to today and the legendary match between Viswanathan Anand and the young prodigy Faustino Oro show how Italy can tell its story to the world through the universal language of chess—with elegance, history, and passion.”– Luigi Maggi, President of the Italian Chess Federation “The Clash of Generations match between Anand and Oro and the exhibition of some of the world’s finest chessboards, held at La Versiliana, are important for many reasons—not least for offering families a unique chance to spend meaningful time together. I hope to attend this beautiful initiative, and I thank and congratulate Mayor Alberto Giovannetti, Paola Rovellini, and the entire Versiliana Foundation for this inspiring project.”– Daniela Santanchè, Minister of Tourism “I’m thrilled that a special project I’ve envisioned with friends has come to life in the best way. It combines my passion for chess with my love for my Versilia. In Marina di Pietrasanta, we’ll host a private match celebrating the encounter—and clash—between generations: a grand chess duel between two extraordinary champions. The world will be watching Versilia. Alongside
Praggnanandhaa wins Superbet Chess Classic Romania
Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu captured his maiden Grand Chess Tour title at the Superbet Chess Classic Romania, emerging victorious in a thrilling three-way playoff against Alireza Firouzja and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. The 19-year-old from Chennai secured his second major title of the year, further consolidating his top position in the FIDE Circuit 2025. The 2025 GCT Superbet Chess Classic Romania took place in Bucharest from May 7–16, featuring ten elite grandmasters. It was a tight race from the start, with no clear leader for most of the tournament. However, after a crucial win against Wesley So in the penultimate round, Praggnanandhaa pulled ahead, entering the final round half a point ahead of Fabiano Caruana, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, and Alireza Firouzja. In the final round, Praggnanandhaa secured a solid draw against Levon Aronian, guaranteeing at least a share of first place. Three players had a chance to catch up, but only two succeeded. Facing World Champion Gukesh D with the black pieces, Caruana was unable to generate winning chances and settled for a draw. In contrast, Firouzja, taking significant risks against Bogdan-Daniel Deac, found himself in a worse position—but his persistence paid off. Deac cracked on move 52, blundering the game away. Meanwhile, Vachier-Lagrave capitalized on a misstep by Jan-Krzysztof Duda in a complex position, securing a full point and joining Firouzja and Praggnanandhaa in a three-way tie for first. To determine the champion, a single round-robin playoff was held with a 5-minute + 2-second increment time control. The first game between Firouzja and Praggnanandhaa was a complex battle in Giuoco Piano which ended in a draw. In the second game Vachier-Lagrave and Firouzja split a point after Alireza held his ground on the black side of the Caro-Kann. The third game Praggnanandhaa vs. Vachier-Lagrave proved to be decisive. In an endgame with a pair of rooks and the queens Maxim first missed a chance to trade the rooks (likely leading to a draw) and just three moves later committed the decisive mistake. Praggnanandhaa seized the opportunity, clinching the win and the title. Photos: Lennart Ootes