Grandmaster Divya Deshmukh, the 19-year-old reigning FIDE Women’s World Cup champion from Nagpur, India, just scored a big win: she’s received a wild card entry to the FIDE World Cup 2025. The tournament kicks off in Goa from October 31 to November 27, giving one of India’s brightest young chess talents a shot at global glory.
Divya joins the lineup after another player pulled out at the last minute. Earlier, former women’s world champions Ju Wenjun and Hou Yifan turned down their invites. This spot highlights her quick rise in the chess world over the past two years, securing her place in one of the sport’s top events.
She recently showed her grit in the open section of the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025, where she notched two wins and six draws in 11 tough rounds against top players. Even with a modest final score, her performance proved she can hang with the elites.
Divya’s addition ramps up excitement for India’s massive push at the 11th FIDE World Cup. A record 21 Indian players will compete, led by reigning world champion D. Gukesh, who returns as the home crowd favorite. Expect fierce battles from the whole squad.
This biennial knockout showdown draws 206 players worldwide and tests skills and nerves in single-elimination mini-matches. The stakes couldn’t be higher: the top three finishers earn spots in the 2026 Candidates Tournament, setting up the next world championship challenger.
For Divya, playing in Goa offers a huge stage to shine. As the current Women’s World Cup winner, she’s already a standout in her generation. Facing the world’s best could fast-track her journey to chess stardom.
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