When you look at the Women’s World Cup 2025 quarterfinal lineup in chess, one name stands out for not being from India or China: Nana Dzagnidze. The Georgian grandmaster is the only player in this year’s knockouts not representing either of the two chess superpowers, which makes her presence both unique and significant. So, who is Nana Dzagnidze? And how did she manage to survive in India-China’s dominance? Let’s find out.
Who is Nana Dzagnidze?
Nana Dzagnidze was born on January 1, 1987, in Georgia, and is one of the most accomplished female chess players of this generation. She holds the title of Grandmaster, which she earned in 2008, becoming part of a select group of women to achieve this prestigious status.
She has also been crowned the Georgian Women’s Champion four times, most recently in 2025.
From a young age, Nana Dzagnidze demonstrated her talent, winning the World Girls Under 12 Championship in 1999 and the Under 20 World Championship in 2003. Since then, her career has been filled with remarkable achievements, including victories in major tournaments such as the 2010 Jermuk leg of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix, the European Women’s Individual Championship in 2017, and the World Blitz Championship in 2017. Her peak FIDE rating reached 2573, placing her among the ten highest-rated women in the world.
A Record of Consistency
Over the years, Dzagnidze has not only collected titles but has been recognized for her reliability on the board. She was part of the Georgian team that secured gold at the Women’s Chess Olympiad in 2008, a highlight in a country with a rich chess tradition. In 2025, she again demonstrated her top form, maintaining a standard rating over 2500, an impressive figure in competitive women’s chess.
Standing Alone Among Giants
In this year’s Women’s World Cup, most of the other top contenders are from India or China, countries that have dominated the women’s chess scene in recent years, especially in 2025. Nana Dzagnidze emerged as the home favourite and stands out for breaking this trend. Her presence in the later stages of the tournament is a testament to her longevity and skill, even as the global chess landscape continues to evolve.
As the only non-Indian or Chinese star in the Women’s World Cup 2025, Nana Dzagnidze continues to make her mark and challenge the leading powers in the sport. With a career full of achievements and a reputation for both consistency and fighting spirit, Dzagnidze remains a prominent figure to watch as the tournament unfolds.
Also Read: FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025 Quarterfinals: Who Made The Cut
