Women’s world champion since 2018, Ju Wenjun has defended her title in several matches, most recently in 2025. She is known for solid preparation and excellent nerves in long matches, and faces India’s Vaishali Rameshbabu in her next title defence.
Ju Wenjun won the women’s world title in 2018 and has held it through several defences, including matches against Aleksandra Goryachkina, Lei Tingjie and Tan Zhongyi. She became one of the most successful women’s champions in history.
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The next challenge
In 2026 Vaishali Rameshbabu of India won the Women’s Candidates tournament to earn a title match against Ju Wenjun. The match continues a golden period for women’s chess in China and India.
Did you know?
♞Fact #1Tap to revealJu Wenjun has held the women’s title since 2018.
♝Fact #2Tap to revealHer next challenger, Vaishali, is the sister of grandmaster Praggnanandhaa.
Three lessons from Wenjun for your own games
1Preparation creates confidence
2Keep calm in long matches
3Solidity is a weapon
Ju Wenjun’s games
Watch the featured game replay itself, or pick any game below. Every game opens move by move with engine analysis.