Top 10 Women Chess Players Fighting for the Crown in Doha
Women’s chess is growing faster than ever. New stars are rising, prize money is increasing, and global interest is stronger each year. The World Rapid and Blitz Championship in Doha will bring the best women players together under one roof.
In recent years, FIDE has made women’s chess a major priority. Programs for girls, coaches, and officials have expanded worldwide. Women’s participation is rising, and more countries are fielding women’s teams at major events. Support systems for players with families have also improved, making professional chess more inclusive.
Prize funds are also at record levels. The World Rapid and Blitz in Doha offers a total prize pool of one million euros. Three hundred thousand euros are reserved for women’s events alone. Top tournaments like Norway Chess now run women’s events with equal prize money.
Women are also more visible beyond the chessboard. Many players are successful streamers, commentators, and content creators. This has helped inspire a new generation. Many top players now believe a woman could become overall world champion in the near future.
Against this backdrop, the top ten women players arriving in Doha represent the highest level of fast chess today.
Ju Wenjun – The gold standard
Ju Wenjun enters Doha as the top seed and the player to beat. She is the reigning Women’s World Champion and has defended her title five times. Ju also dominated recent World Rapid and Blitz events.
She is calm, precise, and strong in all time controls. Whether classical, rapid, or blitz, Ju plays with great control. In Doha, she starts as the clear favorite.
Tan Zhongyi – A relentless fighter
Tan Zhongyi is a former Women’s World Champion and Ju Wenjun’s long-time rival. She earned her latest title challenge by winning the Women’s Candidates Tournament.
Tan is known for her fighting spirit. She defends tough positions and attacks when chances appear. In rapid and blitz, her resilience makes her extremely dangerous.
Aleksandra Goryachkina – Positional master
Aleksandra Goryachkina is one of the strongest and most consistent players in women’s chess. She is a former world title challenger and a regular competitor in open events.
She recently won major Grand Prix events and qualified again for the Candidates Tournament. In fast chess, her endgame skill and positional understanding stand out.
Lei Tingjie – Always in the hunt
Lei Tingjie has been near the top for several years. She narrowly lost a world championship match to Ju Wenjun and later reached the final of the Women’s World Blitz Championship.
Lei plays modern and concrete chess. In rapid and blitz formats, her calculating ability makes her especially dangerous in open positions.
Bibisara Assaubayeva – Blitz specialist turned grandmaster
Bibisara Assaubayeva is already a two-time Women’s World Blitz Champion. She also made history as the youngest women’s blitz world champion.
In 2025, she achieved the grandmaster title in classical chess. Her aggressive style and quick decision-making make her a natural threat in Doha’s fast formats.
Kateryna Lagno – Proven fast-chess champion
Kateryna Lagno is one of the most successful rapid and blitz players of all time. She has multiple world titles and continues to perform at the highest level.
Her deep opening preparation and tactical instincts shine in short time controls. She remains one of the toughest opponents in any fast chess event.
Alexandra Kosteniuk – Attacking veteran
Alexandra Kosteniuk brings experience and fighting spirit. A former Women’s World Champion, she has also won world titles in rapid and Fischer Random chess.
She thrives in sharp positions and plays actively even with little time on the clock. Her attacking style keeps opponents under constant pressure.
Humpy Koneru – Reigning rapid champion
Humpy Koneru arrives in Doha as the current Women’s World Rapid Champion. She also reached the final of the Women’s World Cup in 2025.
Her strength lies in solid openings and strong technique. In rapid chess, she converts small advantages with great confidence.
Harika Dronavalli – Big-match performer
Harika Dronavalli is one of India’s most experienced top players. She has multiple world championship medals and Olympiad gold.
She is known for her tiebreak skills and calm approach under pressure. In Doha, she will again be a serious contender.
Zhu Jiner – Rising star and Grand Prix winner
Zhu Jiner completes the top ten but is already among the most successful young players in the world. She won the overall Women’s Grand Prix and qualified for the Candidates Tournament.
She combines strong preparation with a practical style. In rapid and blitz, she stays in control and strikes when needed.
A field that defines women’s chess today
Ju Wenjun, Tan Zhongyi, Goryachkina, Lei Tingjie, Bibisara Assaubayeva, Kateryna Lagno, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Humpy Koneru, Harika Dronavalli, and Zhu Jiner represent the very best of women’s chess.
Some are world champions. Others are rising stars. All are capable of winning the crown in Doha. Fans can expect high-quality, exciting battles in both rapid and blitz events.
Photos: Global Chess League
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
