Women in Chess - History and Champions
Celebrating the achievements of women in chess and the push for greater inclusion.
Published 2026-02-01 | Last verified 2026-02-12
Professor Archer says: The Polgar sisters proved once and for all that women can compete at the highest levels of chess. Judit Polgar reached number eight in the world rankings, defeating nearly every world champion of her era. Talent has no gender.
A Brief History
Women have played chess for centuries, though their contributions have often been overlooked. Vera Menchik became the first Women's World Champion in 1927 and defended her title for over a decade. She also competed in men's tournaments, earning respect for her skill and determination.
The modern era has seen tremendous growth. The Women's World Chess Championship has produced a series of formidable champions, and more women are achieving titles once thought exclusive to men.
Barriers and Progress
Women have historically been underrepresented in chess due to social barriers, not lack of ability. Fewer girls are introduced to competitive chess, fewer women are active in chess clubs, and the tournament environment has not always been welcoming.
Progress is real and accelerating. Women-only tournaments and titles provide platforms for female players to compete and gain recognition. More importantly, open tournaments increasingly feature strong female competitors who prove that the gap is closing.
Organizations around the world are working to create more inclusive chess environments. Girls' chess camps, women's leagues, and mentorship programs are helping to build a pipeline of talented female players.
How to Support Women in Chess
If you run a chess club or organize tournaments, make your events explicitly welcoming to all genders. Representation matters - having visible female players, coaches, and organizers encourages more women and girls to participate.
Parents can introduce their daughters to chess early, just as they would their sons. The game knows no gender, and early exposure creates a foundation for lifelong enjoyment and potential competitive success.
Support women's chess events, follow women's chess news, and celebrate the achievements of female players. Visibility creates inspiration, and inspiration creates the next generation of champions.
Women in Chess FAQ
Why are there separate women's titles in chess?
Women's titles (WGM, WIM, etc.) exist to provide recognition and milestones for female players in a field where they are underrepresented. Women can also earn the standard (open) titles, and several have achieved the full Grandmaster title.
Can women compete in open tournaments?
Absolutely. All FIDE-rated open tournaments are available to players of any gender. Many strong female players compete exclusively in open events rather than women-only competitions.
Professor Archer says: The future of chess depends on welcoming everyone to the board. Every chess club, every tournament, and every classroom should be a place where girls and women feel they belong. When half the world's population is fully engaged in chess, the game will be twice as rich.
Quick Quiz
Who was the first Women's World Chess Champion?
- Judit Polgar - Judit Polgar, while the strongest female player in history, never competed for the Women's World Championship. She played in open events.
- Vera Menchik (Correct) - Correct. Vera Menchik won the first Women's World Championship in 1927 and held the title until her death in 1944.
- Nona Gaprindashvili - Gaprindashvili was a legendary Women's World Champion, but she came after Menchik. She held the title from 1962 to 1978.
- Hou Yifan - Hou Yifan is a modern champion who won the title in 2010. The first champion was decades earlier.