Vaishali Rameshbabu Becomes First Indian to Win FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament

On a dramatic night in Cyprus, Vaishali Rameshbabu delivered a performance that will be remembered as a turning point—not just in her career, but in Indian chess.While much of the spotlight in recent years had been fixed on her younger brother R. Praggnanandhaa, it was Vaishali who seized the moment. With a composed and clinical victory over Kateryna Lagno in the final round, she clinched the prestigious Candidates Tournament and secured her ticket to the Women’s World Championship.The script had been written differently by many. The expectation was that Praggnanandhaa would soon challenge reigning world champion D. Gukesh. Instead, Vaishali rewrote the story—on her own terms.Stepping Out of the ShadowVaishali Rameshbabu secured her decisive final-round victory against Kateryna Lagno to win the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament.Finishing with 8.5 points in a fiercely competitive field, Vaishali outpaced strong contenders like Bibisara Assaubayeva and proved she belongs among the elite.Her journey through the tournament was anything but smooth. After a setback against Zhu Jiner, Vaishali responded with remarkable resilience. Between rounds six and eleven, she surged ahead with four wins and two draws, building a crucial lead that ultimately defined her campaign.A Champion’s ComposureWhat stood out in Vaishali’s run was not just her tactical brilliance but also her mental strength. In a format where a single slip can derail months of preparation, she held her nerve when it mattered most.She finished the 14-game tournament with five wins and just two losses—numbers that reflect consistency, discipline, and maturity. Even as the pressure mounted in the final rounds, Vaishali remained calm, focused, and unshaken.This victory now places her on a collision course with reigning Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun, who has dominated the format since 2018. Ju Wenjun has been the reigning Women’s World Champion since 2018, when she defeated compatriot Tan Zhongyi. Since then, she has successfully defended her title multiple times, overcoming Kateryna Lagno in 2018, Aleksandra Goryachkina in 2020, Lei Tingjie in 2023, and once again Tan in 2025. Family of GrandmastersInterestingly, Vaishali’s journey in chess began before her brother’s. As a child, she was introduced to the game almost by accident—her father hoping to pull her away from television. That decision would go on to shape one of India’s most remarkable chess families.Years before Praggnanandhaa stunned the world by defeating Magnus Carlsen, a young Vaishali had already made headlines by beating the Norwegian legend in a simul exhibition.Today, the siblings continue to inspire and challenge each other. Vaishali herself acknowledges the role her brother plays in her growth, calling him a constant sounding board for ideas and improvement.A Win Bigger Than a TitleVaishali’s triumph is not just a personal milestone—it’s a statement. It signals a shift in how Indian chess narratives are written.Her victory also comes at a time when Indian chess is enjoying a golden phase, with rising stars making their mark globally. In the Open category, Javokhir Sindarov emerged victorious, setting up a World Championship clash with Gukesh, adding further intrigue to the chess calendar.But for now, the spotlight firmly belongs to Vaishali.As she returns home from Cyprus, she carries more than just a trophy. She carries validation, identity, and a powerful reminder that sometimes, the quietest contenders make the loudest statements.