FIDE Ratings Update: September 2025 Spotlight
The September 2025 FIDE ratings list highlights significant shifts in the Open and Women’s categories, with Germany’s Vincent Keymer and China’s Zhu Jiner making significant strides.
In the Open category, Vincent Keymer, 20, has achieved a personal milestone, breaking into the top 10 for the first time since Robert Hübner, with a career-high Elo of 2751. His stellar performances in recent tournaments, including a dominating display in the Chennai Grand Masters, have solidified his place in the group of “elite” players, joining players like Carlsen, Nakamura, Caruana et al. After his comeback victory in the Sinquefield Cup, America’s Wesley So also saw himself surging back to the top 10 for the first time since October 2024 – almost a year later.
In the women’s rankings, 22-year-old Zhu Jiner has surged to world No. 2, overtaking compatriots Ju Wenjun and Lei Tingjie, with Hou Yifan still at No. 1. However, her rating gains from her last tournament, Fujairah Global Chess Superstars, haven’t been included for the September list, as it concluded on September 1st. Consequently, Zhu remains only #4 in the September’s published rating list for women players.
Zhu’s 12-point gain in the Turkish League and 21 points in Fujairah have boosted her standing in the live rankings. Recent activity from all 4 Chinese players saw shuffling in the rankings amongst themselves, with only Hou Yifan holding her own at the top.
As the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 looms, these players are poised for further impact. It’s a shame that none of the top 5 women players will be seen playing in Samarkand; however, it’d be exciting for the fans to witness contenders and former world champions such as Tan Zhongyi, Anna Muzychuk, and Bibisara fight for the Candidates spots at stake.
Courtesy: FIDE
