R. Vaishali Wins FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026

Indian Grandmaster Rameshbabu Vaishali has created history by winning the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026, earning global recognition, including praise from the High Commission of India in Cyprus. 

Historic Achievement

Vaishali became the first Indian woman to win the Women’s Candidates title, finishing with a score of 8.5/14 and defeating Kateryna Lagno in the final round. 

Road to World Championship

With this victory, Vaishali has secured the right to challenge reigning world champion Ju Wenjun for the Women’s World Chess Championship. 

Final Round Highlights

• Vaishali displayed excellent technique to defeat Lagno
• Bibisara Assaubayeva drew her game against Divya Deshmukh, ensuring Vaishali’s outright victory

Parallel Achievement in Open Category

In 2024, Gukesh Dommaraju won the Candidates Tournament 2024, becoming the youngest challenger and later defeating Ding Liren to become the 18th World Chess Champion. 

Upcoming Challenge

Gukesh is set to be challenged by Javokhir Sindarov, the winner of the FIDE Candidates 2026 in the open category. 

About the Candidates TournamentThe FIDE Candidates Tournament is among the most prestigious events in chess, where winners earn the right to challenge the reigning world champions. Players qualify through events like the FIDE Circuit, World Cup, and Grand Swiss, along with rating-based selections.