Norway Chess Women 2025 is set to return, building on the success of last year’s groundbreaking event. Featuring six of the world’s top female players, the tournament once again highlights Norway Chess’s commitment to equality and representation in chess.

Photo: Ju, Lei, Humpy, Anna, Vaishali: Norway Chess / Stev Bonhage, Sara: FIDE / Maria Emelianova

Final Norway Chess Women Lineup:

• Ju Wenjun (China) – World No. 2 among women
• Lei Tingjie (China) – World No. 4 among women
• Humpy Koneru (India) – World No. 6 among women
• Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine) – World No. 9 among women
• Vaishali Rameshbabu (India) – World No. 19 among women
• Sarasadat Khademalsharieh (Spain) – World No. 21 among women

A Milestone in Women’s Chess

In 2024, Norway Chess made history by launching the world’s first equal super tournament for women with an equal prize fund, held in the same venue, format, and structure as the main event. This move set a

new precedent in the chess world, demonstrating a commitment to promoting women in chess and

driving meaningful change.

“It’s been a goal for us for several years now, to create a tournament for females with equal price funds, so I’m really happy that it’s a reality this year” said Benedicte Westre Skog, Co-owner and General Manager of Norway Chess, during last year’s Norway Chess Women tournament.

Kjell Madland, Founder and Tournament Director of Norway Chess, emphasized the importance of this step: “It has to be like this now. It means a lot for women in chess, but also for everyone who has an interest in chess.”

A Continued Commitment in 2025

Recognizing that meaningful change requires consistency, Norway Chess is proud to host Norway Chess Women for the second consecutive year.

“For us, it was vital to ensure this wasn’t a one-time event,” said Benedicte Westre Skog. “We didn’t want a ‘women’s tournament making history with an equal prize fund’ only for it to disappear the next year. It’s been very important for us to continue this and show our commitment.”

The tournament aims to inspire more girls to take up chess and create a pathway for young female players to pursue professional chess careers.