In 2025, Indian chess saw significant achievements and mixed results. Divya Deshmukh made history by winning the Women's Chess World Cup, defeating Koneru Humpy in an all-Indian final, and qualifying for the 2026 Candidates. While Gukesh faced challenges and a dip in form, he secured a win against Magnus Carlsen and a European Club Cup victory. R Praggnanandhaa qualified for the 2026 Candidates, though Arjun Erigaisi did not.