If you thought women’s chess was all about ratings and rankings, hold on because FIDE just dropped a game-changer for the Women’s Grand Prix 2026-2027. The series is back with the same thrilling setup: 20 top players, six tournaments over two years, each queen playing three events in 10-player round robins. But the qualification paths? They’ve got a twist that rewards real board battles over pure Elo numbers.
So, What Changed In The Women’s Grand Prix 2026-2027 Qualification?
The big shift in the Women’s Grand Prix 2026-2027 qualification is the rating-based spots drop from four to three, pulled straight from the April 2026 FIDE list. That freed-up slot now goes to the “2024–2025 Women’s Events” quota, the highest-ranked player there who hasn’t qualified elsewhere. It’s FIDE’s way of pushing more action in women’s tournaments and giving rising stars a real shot.
Players Who Have Already Secured Their Spots
Some players have already locked in their spots in the Women’s Grand Prix 2026-2027. Both 2025 Women’s World Championship finalists, GM Ju Wenjun (world No.4 at 2565) and GM Tan Zhongyi (No.7 at 2524), grab spots. Top-2 from the 2024-25 Grand Prix: GM Zhu Jiner (No.2, 2579) and GM Aleksandra Goryachkina (No.5, 2540).
Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinalists shine too: GM Divya Deshmukh (girls’ No.1, 2505), GM Humpy Koneru (No.6, 2535), and GM Lei Tingjie (No.3, 2569). Top-3 from Women’s Grand Swiss 2025: GM Vaishali R, GM Kateryna Lagno (No.9, 2517), and GM Bibisara Assaubayeva (No.10, 2513).
Six more spots go to tournament organisers, one per event, while the rest fill via ratings and the new events quota. The top two in overall standings can still get tickets to the Women’s Candidates. As the cycle kicks off, fans can expect fireworks. Who’s grabbing that Women’s Grand Prix 2026-2027 spot? Stay tuned, who knows, it might be the next big breakout.
Read More
Also read: Jerusalem Masters 2025: Arjun Erigaisi Beats Vishy Anand To Win Title
