Vaishali Rameshbabu has won the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026 and officially qualified as the challenger for the Women’s World Chess Championship. Remember the name — VAISHALI RAMESHBABU. She becomes only the second Indian woman, after Koneru Humpy to win the Women’s Candidates Tournament.
A Journey That Made 1.5 Billion Proud
This victory is not just personal— it’s a moment of pride for her mother Nagalakshmi Ji, and for the entire nation. After years of waiting, India finally has a challenger again for the world title.
Vaishali has not only made her family proud, but also 1.5 billion Indians.
Tournament Performance & Key Matches
- Vaishali finished with 8.5/14 points, topping the standings.
- In the final round, she defeated Kateryna Lagno, sealing the title.
- One of her toughest battles came against former World Champion Tan Zhongyi, which strengthened her position.
- She also secured a crucial win against fellow Indian Divya Deshmukh.
- Despite facing ups and downs, including a loss to Zhu Jiner, she showed incredible mental strength and bounced back.
She didn’t dominate every game—but she controlled the tournament when it mattered the most.
With this historic win, Vaishali now sets up a Women’s World Chess Championship match against Ju Wenjun
From being Nagalakshmi Ji’s daughter…
to becoming India’s pride…
This is more than a victory—this is history.
Wishing her all the very best for the World Championship. And manifesting…
That soon we wake up to the headline:
“WORLD CHAMPION” — VAISHALI RAMESHBABU