All you need to know about prize money of Women's World Chess Championship 2025

Tan Zhongyi will aim for a second Women’s World Chess Championship title.

The Women’s World Chess Championship 2025 is set to be a thrilling contest between reigning champion Ju Wenjun and challenger Tan Zhongyi. This marks their second clash for the world title, with Ju having defeated Tan in 2018 to claim her first championship. Now, after seven years, the two Chinese grandmasters are set for an intense rematch.

Scheduled to take place from April 3 to April 23, the championship will be split between Shanghai and Chongqing, following a format that gives both players the chance to compete in their home cities. The match will consist of 12 classical games, and if no winner emerges, it will be decided through tie-breaks with faster time controls.

Also Read: Women’s World Chess Championship 2025: Updated schedule, format, prize money, live streaming details

Only time will tell whether Ju Wenjun will secure her fifth world title or if Tan Zhongyi will make a triumphant comeback, reclaiming the Women’s World Chess Championship for the second time since her 2017 victory. Beyond the world title, both players will also be competing for one of the largest prize pools in women’s chess history.

Here’s everything you need to know about the prize money for the Women’s World Chess Championship 2025:

Prize money breakdown for Women’s World Chess Championship 2025

The total prize pool for the 2025 Women’s World Chess Championship stands at €500,000, with the earnings split based on how the match is decided:

• If the winner is determined in classical games:
  • Champion: €300,000 (60%)
  • Runner-up: €200,000 (40%)
• If the match goes to tie-breaks:
  • Champion: €275,000 (55%)
  • Runner-up: €225,000 (45%)

Unlike the Men’s World Chess Championship, where players receive additional payments for individual game victories, the Women’s WCC does not offer per-game prize money. The earnings are strictly determined by the final result of the match.

Also Read: Women’s World Chess Championship 2025: Live streaming, TV channel, where and how to watch?

How women’s chess prize money has changed over the years

Prize money in women’s chess has steadily increased, reflecting a growing recognition of the sport.

• Early 2000s: Total prize pools were under €200,000, with the champion earning less than €100,000.
• 2018 (Ju Wenjun’s first title): The prize fund increased to €400,000, with the champion taking €200,000.
• 2020-present: FIDE raised the prize pool to €500,000, marking a financial boost for women’s chess.

Men’s World Chess Championship prize money

The 2024 World Chess Championship featured a prize fund of $2.5 million, with a unique structure rewarding per-game victories.

• The winner, D Gukesh, earned a total of $1.35 million, while the runner-up, Ding Liren, took home $1.15 million.
• Each classical game victory was rewarded with $200,000, encouraging aggressive play.
• Gukesh secured three wins, earning an additional $600,000, while Ding won two games, adding $400,000 to his total.
• The remaining nine games ended in draws, with the prize money for these split equally between the players.

In contrast, the Women’s World Chess Championship follows a fixed prize structure without per-game rewards. The total prize fund for 2025 is €500,000, with the champion receiving €300,000 (60%) if the match is decided in classical games, and €275,000 (55%) if it goes to tiebreaks. The runner-up takes home the remaining percentage accordingly.

This difference in prize distribution highlights the varying approaches between the Open and Women’s World Championships.

Also Read: How much did Gukesh D and Ding Liren earn in prize money at FIDE World Chess Championship 2024?

Will women’s chess prize money continue to increase?

The rise in women’s chess prize funds is a step in the right direction, but the gap between the Women’s and Open World Championships remains substantial. Increased sponsorships, media coverage, and fan engagement could help push for higher prize funds in future editions.

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