It was a rollercoaster ride at the FIDE World Cup 2025 in Goa, India, and for many fans, the biggest surprise was the early exit of the wild card entrant and chess sensation, Divya Deshmukh. Known for her meteoric rise in the chess world after winning the Women’s World Cup 2025 and earning the GM title, Divya’s departure from the tournament stunned audiences and experts alike.
Who Is Divya Deshmukh And What Went Wrong?
Divya Deshmukh is not just any chess player; she’s a young powerhouse who’s been making waves across the globe. At only 19 years old, she became the first Indian woman to win the prestigious FIDE Women’s World Cup earlier in 2025, securing her Grandmaster title in the process.
Her journey reads like a storybook, winning gold medals at the Chess Olympiad, dominating national championships, and defeating some of the top names in women’s chess, such as Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli. When the wild card was announced for the FIDE World Cup 2025, many expected Divya to continue her impressive form and make a deep run in the tournament.
However, the knockout nature of World Cup chess can be brutally unforgiving, and despite her immense talent, Divya faced a tough opponent early on and had to bow out sooner than everyone hoped. The pressure of the World Cup stage and the intense competition meant that one wrong move or a momentary lapse could end the campaign. And for Divya, that moment came this time around.
As the FIDE World Cup 2025 continues, fans are already eagerly awaiting India’s next big win on the grand stage. So, stay tuned, because the best is yet to come!
Also read: FIDE Honors Viswanathan Anand: Chess World Cup 2025 Trophy Named After the Legend
