Ju Wenjun is one of the world’s top female players.
Since the first time she came into the limelight in the chess world, she has gone from becoming the Chinese National Chess Champion to a reigning five-time Classical World Champion, a World Blitz Champion, and a two-time women’s World Rapid Champion.
Apart from these impressive feet, she is among the few women who have achieved the coveted rating of 2600 Elo.
Recently, she defended her classical world title dominantly against fellow countrywoman Tan Zhongyi for the second time since their initial battle in 2018.
In this article, we will examine the world champion’s career and accomplishments.
Early Life and Introduction to Chess
Ju Wenjun had an exciting background. She was born on 31 January 1991 and introduced to the Royal game at age 7 in her hometown of Shanghai, China.
At 13, she gained the spotlight when she secured a third place at the 2004 Asian Women’s Championship in Beirut.
Her success led directly to her participation in the 2006 Women’s World Championship, where she reached the third round.
Alongside a chess career, she also pursued an academic career, graduating from the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.
Rising through the Ranks: Key Tournaments and Achievements
Ju Wenjun’s career is one of talent meets preparation. She rose to prominence with diligent effort and improved studies in the game.
Initially earning the Women’s Grandmaster (WGM) title, she progressed beyond it, to the approval of women players who view these titles as limiting.
- 2009: She was awarded the Women’s Grandmaster (WGM) title and crossed the 2500 FIDE rating for the first time. In the same year, she also won the World Team Championship with her country’s National team.
- 2010 & 2014: She won the Chinese Women’s Chess Championship.
- 2011: Ju went unbeaten at the Hangzhou Women’s Grandmaster Tournament, finishing ahead of the then-World Champion Hou Yifan. She won the 2011 World Team Championship for the Second time with her national team.
- 2012: She reached the Semi-finals in the World Championship in Khanty-Mansiysk, where she lost to eventual winner Anna Ushenina.
- 2014: She was formally awarded the Grandmaster title after meeting the norms as far back as 2011.
- 2016 and 2018: Ju Wenjun won the Olympiads with her country’s national team.
Her performance at Hangzhou marked a monumental shift in Women’s Chess. It showcased her positional understanding and endgame technique, which could rival the best in the World.
First World Championship Title
Women players compete for the Women’s World Championship, which is separated from the Men’s World Championship.
Ju Wenjun won her first Classical title in 2018, defeating the then-world champion Tan Zhongyi in the classical Women’s World Chess Championship.
Their match was closely contested, with Ju prevailing in the Tiebreak. She then completed her Triple Crown in 2024 with her Blitz title win.
- Women’s World Rapid Champion (2017).
- Women’s World Champion (2018).
- Women’s World Blitz Champion (2024).
Defending the Crown
Since 2018, Ju Wenjun has successfully defended her classical title four times:
- November 2018: The tournament, held in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, is a 64-player knockout tournament. It was the second Championship played in 2018 after Ju Wenjun initially defeated Tan Zhongyi in the same year.
- 2020 vs. Aleksandra Goryachkina: Having won the 2019 Women’s Candidate tournament in Kazan, Russia, Aleksandra Goryachkina played against the World Champion in a closely contested match. The match ended in a 6-6 classical draw and was decided by a rapid Tiebreak, which Ju won with a 2 1⁄2-1 1⁄2 score line.
- 2023 vs. Lei Tingjie: Ju won tightly with a final score of 6 1⁄2-5 ½, showcasing her prowess and impressive play again.
- 2025 vs. Tan Zhongyi: Ju Wenjun displayed perhaps her most dominant showing in a World Championship to defeat Tan Zhongyi, who had a wonderful year leading up to the Match. Ju Wenjun established dominance again by winning the 2025 women’s chess championship with a score of 6.5 – 2.5.
Besides her Classical World Championship title, she clinched back-to-back rapid titles in 2018 and 2020, further cementing her status as a formidable force even in faster time controls.
Most recently, in her 2025 title defense, Ju continued to deploy innovative opening choices and demonstrate a profound understanding of Endgame and middlegame strategies.
She often left her opponent struggling to keep pace as they moved across the Electronic chessboard.
For aspiring players seeking to follow Ju Wenjun’s tournament outing and other first-hand moments, Take Take Take is a good place to follow the World Champion.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ju Wenjun’s style is renowned for her Universal style of play:
- Strategic Depth: She excels in slow maneuvering battles, often outplaying opponents in equal positions through subtle prophylactic moves.
- Endgame Precision: The conversion of slight advantages in the wake and minor pieces endgame is among the best in top-level chess.
- Opening repertoire: Ju has a vast opening arsenal ranging from Queen’s Gambit to the Sicilian Defense, keeping her adversaries off-balance.
- Psychological Resilience: In high-pressure moments and tiebreakers, Ju’s calm demeanor, combined with her resourcefulness, often outshines her opponent.
Her balanced playing style and adaptability make her a model for aspiring players. Ju proves that a sound foundation in all phases of the game is essential to long-term success.
Impact and Legacy on Women’s Chess
Ju Wenjun’s achievements and dominance have had a profound effect.
- She inspired a new generation of Chinese Women to pursue chess at the highest level, contributing to China’s current dominance in women’s events.
- Through various interviews and coaching sessions, Ju has shared insights and advocated for more participation and women’s equality in sports.
- Her success has fueled debates and discussions about gender security titles, such as the various Women Players Speak Against Women’s Chess Title, which cites her achievements as evidence of women’s ability to compete at Open events.
Ju Wenjun’s chess career from Shanghai Clubs to World Champion exemplifies how dedication, hard work, and fearless competition can reshape the chess landscape for female players worldwide.
Conclusion: The Reign of Ju Wenjun
Ju Wenjun’s reign as Women’s World Chess Champion shows that exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and a deep love for the game are what you need for a breakthrough in the game.
From a historic rating breakthrough to her commanding title defenses, she is redefining what it means to be a champion in the 21st century.
As she continues to compete and inspire, the question is, does she deserve to be named among the top women chess players of all time?
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