Empowering Women in Chess: Highlights from the 2025 Queens’ Online Chess Festival

The 2025 Queens’ Online Chess Festival has made waves in the chess community, shining a spotlight on the remarkable talents of female players worldwide.

Taking place throughout March in honor of Women’s Month, this prestigious event doubled as both a celebration and a tournament aimed at empowering women in the chess world.

With nearly 1,000 participants hailing from 121 countries, the festival featured two noteworthy competitions: the Queens’ Women Open Tournament and the Unrated Princesses’ Tournament, showcasing the skills and dedication of female chess players across various skill levels.

In this article, we’ll delve into the key winners of the tournament, highlight significant performances, and discuss the festival's broader impact on empowering women in chess.

Key Takeaways

• The Queens’ Online Chess Festival 2025 showcased the talent of nearly 1,000 female chess players globally.
• Aliona Garmash won first place in the Queens’ Women Open Tournament, highlighting rising female talent in chess.
• The festival emphasized inclusivity and empowerment, with significant support from FIDE and various continental winners recognized.

Overview of the Queens’ Online Chess Festival 2025

The Queens’ Online Chess Festival 2025 showcased the exceptional talent of female chess players worldwide, celebrated throughout March in alignment with Women's Month.

This vibrant event featured two significant competitions: the Queens’ Women Open Tournament and the Unrated Princesses’ Tournament, running from March 1 to March
29.

The festival not only highlighted the skills of seasoned players but also aimed to foster inclusivity and accessibility within the chess community.

In the Queens’ Women Open Tournament, Aliona Garmash from FIDE claimed the top prize, with Zoey Tang from the USA and Nataliya Buksa from Ukraine securing second and third places, respectively.

Other notable finalists included promising players like Omya Vidyarthi and Veronika Shubenkova, each showcasing remarkable chess prowess.

Throughout the competitions, continental champions also emerged, with Ndunakazi Nobuhle representing Africa, Kelly Boor from America, Veronika Shubenkova from Asia, and Monika Machlik from Europe all taking home prizes for their outstanding performances.

The Princesses’ Tournament, which showcased young talent across various age categories, recognized remarkable players like Swetha Narayanan from England (U09) and Hima Srinika Alla from India (U11).

With a prize fund of €500 awarded to Garmash and trophies presented to continental winners, the festival emphasized not just winning but also the spirit of celebration and camaraderie in chess.

Participants who placed in the top 60 were further rewarded with training sessions offered by Women Grandmasters, underscoring the festival's commitment to professional development.

Bringing together nearly 1,000 players from 121 countries, the Queens’ Online Chess Festival 2025 heralded a significant step in promoting women’s empowerment in chess.

The collaboration among organizers, including FIDE and the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, highlighted the ongoing support for female players and was a testament to the event's mission of increasing participation and recognizing achievements in women’s chess globally.

Celebrating Success: Key Winners and Highlights

The Queens’ Online Chess Festival 2025 not only honored established female players but also provided a platform for emerging talents.

This month-long celebration featured a range of competitions designed to engage and empower women in chess.

The Queens’ Women Open Tournament and the Unrated Princesses’ Tournament were central to the festivities, creating a competitive atmosphere across various age groups and skill levels.

The event stood out for its inclusivity and emphasis on accessibility, encouraging new players to join the chess community and fostering a supportive environment.