Women’s World No. 9, Anna Muzychuk, returns to Norway Chess Women, bringing her solid playing style to the 2025 Women’s tournament. Having finished as the runner-up in the inaugural Norway Chess Women tournament in 2024, Anna is determined to aim for the title this year.

Photo: Portrait: Norway Chess / Stev Bonhage | Side photos: Maria Emelianova

A Chess Prodigy from the Start

Anna’s journey in chess began at an exceptionally young age, showcasing her prodigious talent early on. She had a remarkable run at the European Youth Chess Championships, medaling for nine consecutive years from 1996, when she was just six years old, to 2004, at age fourteen. This included an incredible six gold medals. Anna also claimed victories on the world stage, winning the World Youth Championship in the under-16 girls’ category and the World Junior Championship for under-20 girls.

A Fast Chess Specialist

A three-time world champion in fast chess, Anna has solidified her place as one of the most accomplished players in the history of rapid and blitz formats. She clinched the Women’s World Rapid Championship in 2014 and the Women’s World Blitz Championship in both 2014 and 2016. Her remarkable feat of winning both the World Rapid and World Blitz Championships in the same year in 2016 places her alongside legends like Susan Polgar and Magnus Carlsen.

Narrow Misses in Classical Chess

In classical chess, Anna came closest to winning the Women’s World Championship in 2017 in Tehran, where she finished as the runner-up to Tan Zhongyi. She also qualified for the Candidates Tournaments in 2019 and 2022.

A Model of Consistency

Anna describes her playing style as solid, noting:
“At my successful tournaments, I usually show a good performance, but don’t have a stellar score. At the same time, when things don’t go my way, I still don’t lose a lot of games.”

Will 2025 Be Her Year?

With her exceptional track record, and her previous experience at Norway Chess Women, all eyes are on Anna Muzychuk as she competes for the title. Will this be the year?