What does it take to stay at the top of women’s chess — and to keep fighting for equality in a game still ruled by men?
Former Women’s World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk opens up about her journey from a 5-year-old prodigy to one of the most respected players in the world. She reflects on:
00:25 How women’s chess has evolved over the years
02:00 The legacy of Judit Polgar, the only woman to reach the Top 10
04:55 And why she still believes that “if it was possible once — it’s possible again!”
Video excerpt courtesy of FIDE chess,”Highlights | Round 5 | FIDE Grand Swiss 2025” retrieved from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlTtBUPkO70
Video excerpt courtesy of ChessQueen,”Blitz Kosteniuk – Nikolenko” retrieved from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irMuQPbmtAQ&t=13s
Video excerpt courtesy of FIDE,”Judit Polgar – FIDE World Championship 2005” retrieved from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwcLzJAtLjY
Video excerpt courtesy of ChessQueen,”TENNIS MOM 🎾 ChessQueen’s VLOG. Episode 4. Tennis Europe Tournament” retrieved from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Lq0ed5SRaA
Video excerpt courtesy of ChessQueen,”Blitz Kosteniuk – Skripchenko (1)” retrieved from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBd79pfpyKo
Video excerpt courtesy of GibChess,””Chess is a part of my life, but it is not my whole life!” | Interview with Hou Yifan, GibChess” retrieved from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NU6UUCDP6g
Video excerpt courtesy of ChessQueen,”Kosteniuk World Chess Champion” retrieved from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSbW2OEBoLw
Video excerpt courtesy of ChessQueen,”Kosteniuk beats Judit Polgar” retrieved from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWJU4jVfTFY