Norway Chess 2025: Equal prize money encourages more women to take up the sport, says Ju Wenjun

Defending champion Ju Wenjun has praised Norway Chess which became the first-ever tournament to offer female players equal prize funds at the inaugural edition last year.

“I think it is a huge success and hugely inspiring, not just for women in chess, but for women in sports overall. It’s really encouraging more women to get into chess and provides a great platform for us,” said the 34-year-old Chinese Grandmaster, who recently clinched her fifth World Championship title.

This year’s edition will be held from May 26 to June 6 at Finansparken (SR-Bank) in Stavanger City.

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Last year’s runner-up Anna Muzychuk, Indian legend Koneru Humpy, along with Lei Tingjie, R Vaishali and Sara Khadem will be up against Ju.

“I guess there will be some pressure to defend the title, but in general, I’m just really looking forward to enjoying my time playing in Stavanger. The line-up is very strong this year. We also have a new player, Sara (Khadem), who is very good in rapid and blitz. She seems to have a lot of potential to win this tournament,” she said.