When you think about speed chess, you think about battles fought not just over 64 squares but also against the ticking clock. The adrenaline, drama, and jaw-dropping moves are what make this format such a favorite for fans and players alike. This year, the Women’s Speed Chess Championship 2025 has taken things up a notch, and at the heart of all the action is India’s chess sensation, Divya Deshmukh.
Women’s Speed Chess Championship 2025: A Quick Look
The Women’s Speed Chess Championship 2025 is not just an online tournament; it’s become a global festival for chess fans. Hosted on Chess.com, the event features 16 of the strongest women players in the world. You’ve got legends like Hou Yifan and reigning world champion Ju Wenjun, the new generation stars, and, of course, India’s very own Divya Deshmukh, who recently won the Women’s World Cup 2025. The format? Brutal single-elimination, three time-controls per match (5+1 blitz, 3+1 blitz, and 1+1 bullet), and a cool $75,000 prize pool waiting for the most fearless queens of the chessboard.
Divya Deshmukh Run: Pure Domination
If you thought Divya Deshmukh’s dream run ended with the Women’s World Cup last month, think again. She walked into this championship fresh off that historic victory, crowned as India’s 88th Grandmaster, the fourth Indian woman to achieve the title. But hungry for more, Divya came onto the speed chess grid with one mission: to win.
In her first round, she faced China’s formidable GM Lei Tingjie, a player who just finished fourth at the World Cup. On paper, it was supposed to be a close fight, but Divya had other plans. She steamrolled through, taking an incredible 10-3 win. Out of 13 games, she won eight, drew four, and lost just one, talk about making a statement! Each time the pressure was on and the seconds were slipping away, Divya Deshmukh stayed calm and collected, picking the right moments, balancing attack and defense, and punishing even the smallest mistakes from her opponent.
It wasn’t just a win, it was a message to the chess world: Divya Deshmukh is here to stay at the top.
What’s Next for Divya Deshmukh?
But things are only going to get hotter from here. Next up, Divya faces none other than World No. 1 Hou Yifan, a multiple-time world champion and global icon in women’s chess, in the next round, scheduled for 14 August. This is the kind of matchup you dream about, a young, in-form star versus the established legend. So keep your eyes out for her as this is just the beginning.
Also read: How Did Divya Deshmukh Become A Grandmaster Without FIDE Qualifications
