Women’s Grand Prix 2026–2027: What’s New in the Qualification System?
The Women’s Grand Prix is back for the 2026–2027 cycle, and this time, there’s an important change in how players qualify. The overall format stays the same — 20 players, six tournaments, and each player competing in three events. But one key rule has been updated.
Fewer Rating Spots, More Performance-Based Spots
In the previous cycle (2024–2025), four players qualified based on their FIDE rating. Now, only three players will earn a spot through rating.
The extra spot has been moved to the “2024–2025 Women’s Events” category. FIDE’s Global Strategy Commission explains that this change gives more value to real performance. Instead of depending mainly on rating lists, the system now rewards players who compete actively and score well in official women’s tournaments.
Who Has Already Qualified?
Here’s the list of players who have secured their places under the updated structure:
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Women’s World Championship Match 2025 finalists: GM Ju Wenjun and GM Tan Zhongyi
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Top 2 in the Women’s Grand Prix 2024–25: GM Zhu Jiner and GM Aleksandra Goryachkina
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Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinalists: GM Divya Deshmukh, GM Humpy Koneru and GM Lei Tingjie
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Top 3 from the Women’s Grand Swiss 2025: GM Vaishali R, GM Kateryna Lagno, GM Bibissara Assaubayeva
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Top performer from all Women’s Events 2024–25: The highest-ranked player who has not yet qualified through another path
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Three spots by Standard Rating: Based on the April 2026 FIDE rating list
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Six organiser nominations: One nominated player for each of the six WGP tournaments
What Has Not Changed
The core structure of the Women’s Grand Prix remains familiar:
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Six tournaments spread across two years
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20 total participants
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Every player competes in three events
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All tournaments follow a 10-player round-robin format
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The top two players in the overall standings qualify for the Women’s Candidates
Why This Update Matters
FIDE’s adjustment encourages players to stay active and fight for results on the board. It gives rising stars more opportunities to break into the Grand Prix, even if their rating is still catching up. By shifting one spot from rating to performance, the qualification system becomes more dynamic and fair to players who deliver strong results in key women’s events.
For full details, you can check the official regulations on FIDE’s website.
Photos: FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
