The International Chess Federation has released new rules for its Women’s Circuit spanning 2026 and 2027, aiming to expand opportunities for top female players. The circuit includes a series of elite tournaments where participants earn ranking points toward qualifying for the 2028 Women’s Candidates Tournament. Current leaders emerged from the recent European Women’s Rapid and Blitz Championships.
The FIDE Council has formally approved the regulations for the Women’s Circuit 2026-2027, effective from January 1, 2026, through December 21, 2027. This initiative builds on the structure of the Open Circuit by broadening the range of qualifying tournaments for women’s chess events. Players will accumulate Ranking Points based on their performances in these competitions, with the top scores determining eligibility for major events like the FIDE Women’s Candidates 2028.
Key eligibility criteria require tournaments to maintain a Tournament Average Rating of at least 2300, calculated from the ratings of the top 12 participants—or all players if fewer than 12 compete. For FIDE-rated women’s tournaments pre-approved by the Global Strategy Commission, the threshold rises to 2400. The final circuit score aggregates the best 12 tournament results, or all if a player enters fewer than 12. To qualify for the Candidates, competitors must participate in at least eight events, including five with classical time controls. Notably, the Women’s World Rapid and Blitz Championships for 2026 and 2027 remain eligible outside the standard period.
Following the European Women’s Rapid and Blitz Championships, the leaderboard features 16 players. Georgia’s Nino Batsiashvili leads with 13.86 points as the rapid champion, closely trailed by Eline Roebers at 11.81 points for her blitz victory. Former Women’s World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk sits third with 10.48 points after placing second in rapid. The remaining players hold single-digit totals.
FIDE maintains an updated website section for the circuit, including tournament lists, standings, and full regulations.