The closing ceremony of the 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup was held in grand style at the Grand Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Batumi, Georgia, beginning at 7:30 PM with the stirring rendition of the Georgian National Anthem. The master of ceremonies warmly welcomed all distinguished guests, including FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and President of the Georgian Chess Federation Akaki Iashvili.
Akaki Iashvili took the stage first, congratulating the winners and extending heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the event’s success. In his remarks, he noted the dominance of Indian and Chinese players, and underlined the World Cup’s prestige as one of the longest-running events in the FIDE calendar. He also highlighted the celebration of International Chess Day on July 20th, which coincided with the tournament.
Iashvili paid tribute to the organizing committee, sponsors, and numerous FIDE commissions and officials whose efforts helped make this edition of the Women’s World Cup one of the most viewed in history.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich followed with his own reflections. He thanked Akaki Iashvili and the Georgian hosts for creating an environment in which “the players could show their best effort.” Dvorkovich recalled his visit to the first round three weeks earlier, where he enjoyed the relaxed start of the competition but was fully aware of the intensity and stakes for the players. He expressed appreciation to those who had already departed, acknowledging the pride and memories they brought back to their home countries.
“To all the winners—congratulations,” Dvorkovich said. “And to the people of Georgia: thank you for your warmth and hospitality. We look forward to coming back again.”
The ceremony then featured a moving musical interlude by Rusa Tavartkiladze and Nona Diasamidze, two of Georgia’s most celebrated voices, who performed a beloved Georgian song that has become an unofficial anthem of Batumi.
Before the prize distribution, attendees were treated to a video exhibition celebrating the tournament’s most memorable and emotional moments—from decisive victories and tearful interviews to unforgettable upsets and quiet moments of sportsmanship.
Chief Arbiter Mahdi Abdulrahim addressed the audience with a brief speech of appreciation, and then invited the dignitaries to the stage:
- Arkady Dvorkovich (FIDE President)
- Akaki Iashvili (President, Georgian Chess Federation)
- Lukasz Turlej (FIDE Secretary General)
- Smbat Lputian (Vice President, Armenia Chess Federation; Appeals Committee)
- Zurab Azmaiparashvili (Continental President for Europe)
Together, they awarded the top prizes of the 2025 Women’s World Cup:
4th Place – Lei Tingjie (China)
3rd Place – Tan Zhongyi (China)
2nd Place – Humpy Koneru (India)
1st Place – Divya Deshmukh (India)
The gala concluded with the FIDE Anthem followed by the National Anthem of India, in honor of the newly crowned champion Divya Deshmukh.
Written by IM Michael Rahal (Batumi, Georgia)
Photos: Anna Shtourman
About the tournament:
The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup took place from July 6th to July 28th in Batumi (Georgia) and brought together the world’s best female chess players. A total of 107 players from 46 different federations participated in the event, including seventeen of the current top twenty!
Chess legends, seasoned professionals and emerging talents contested for the $50,000 first prize, in addition to three qualifying spots for the Candidates.
The full pairings tree and day-by-day results can be found on the Women’s World Cup website.
