Women's World Champion #12
2008–2010
Russia
Alexandra Kosteniuk
A former child chess prodigy who became champion in 2008, on her way to eliminating a 14-year-old Hou Yifan en route.
Photo: Yunfan Zhao / Lichess · CC BY-SA 4.0
Biography
Born in 1984, Kosteniuk won the 2008 knockout Women's World Championship in Nalchik, Russia — defeating a then-14-year-old Hou Yifan in an earlier round on her way to the title.
She lost the title to that same Hou Yifan two years later, in 2010.
Playing Style
Versatile and well-prepared, known equally for competitive strength and for popularizing chess through media outside the tournament hall.
Notable Games
2008 Women's World Championship
Her tournament win, which included an early-round victory over the young future champion Hou Yifan.
Fun Facts
- Nicknamed "Chess Queen," she also worked as a model and prominent chess streamer/promoter, helping bring the game to audiences well beyond the traditional tournament circuit.