Yosha Iglesias, the seventh seed, won the 2025 French Women's Chess Championship. The tournament, held as a 16-player knockout, featured some of France’s best female chess players. Iglesias was the only transgender competitor.
In the quarterfinals, Iglesias defeated International Master (IM) Pauline Guichard 1.5-0.5 in a match she described as the best game of her career. She then bested IM Anastasia Savina 1.5-0.5 in the semifinals before overcoming Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Mitra Hejazipour in the final by the same score.
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Yosha Iglesias on the podium after winning the French Women’s Chess Championship on 24/8/2025. Photo: French Chess Federation |
Yosha Iglesias on the podium after winning the French Women’s Chess Championship on 24/8/2025. Photo: French Chess Federation
Iglesias was overcome with emotion when Hejazipour resigned in the final game. "When Hejazipour resigned, I shed a few tears," Iglesias said. "She came over, smiled, and hugged me. It showed her sportsmanship and our shared bond."
In 2024, Iglesias became the first transgender woman to achieve the title of Woman International Master (WIM). After years of grappling with her passion for chess and her gender identity, she publicly transitioned in 2021. "Nothing makes me happier than knowing this victory will show young transgender people that they don't have to choose between chess and living authentically," Iglesias shared.
Following Annemarie Meier, Iglesias is the second transgender woman to win a national chess championship. Meier congratulated Iglesias on her 24/8 victory. "This sends a global message, affirming the presence of transgender women and helping us overcome doubts about our right to exist," Meier stated.
Iglesias's success comes at a sensitive time. In 2023, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) enacted a controversial policy barring transgender women from competing in women's events for two years. The policy drew criticism from numerous players, with Iglesias calling it terrible and potentially harmful to young transgender girls' mental health.
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Iglesias during a match at the tournament. Photo: French Chess Federation |
Iglesias during a match at the tournament. Photo: French Chess Federation
Iglesias was not surprised by the online backlash. According to Europe Echecs magazine, she faced a wave of harsh criticism but chose to respond with resilience. "As soon as I began transitioning, I knew I would face hatred," she added. "I see it as a chance to grow, both in life and on the chessboard."
On social media, Iglesias even sarcastically thanked her attackers, saying their pressure strengthened her resolve, ultimately leading to her victory.
However, she also acknowledged the emotional toll: "When I'm already feeling down, harassment hurts more. More importantly, it can seriously harm others."
Iglesias enjoys broad support within the French chess community. "Most of the top French female players are close friends. Others have always encouraged me," she revealed.
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Runner-up Mitra Hejazipour. Photo: French Chess Federation |
Runner-up Mitra Hejazipour. Photo: French Chess Federation
Iglesias plans to take a break for surgery in 10/2025. Her short-term goal is to complete the requirements for the Woman Grandmaster (WGM) title. Looking ahead, she dreams of representing France at the Chess Olympiad or the European Team Championship.
"At 37, I'll reach my highest Elo rating ever," she said. "This proves life before transitioning was only half-lived. Only by living authentically can I truly flourish. I will strive to make up for lost time."
Currently, there are no women in the world's top 100 chess players. The top-ranked female player, Hou Yifan, with an Elo rating of 2,609, would be ranked 141st among men. Before the French Championship, Iglesias's Elo was 2,308.
The only woman ever to break into the men's top 10, Judit Polgar, stated in an interview with Time magazine in 4/2015 that women "are absolutely capable of playing on par with men, but society hasn't created the conditions for them to reach their full potential."
Compiled by Xuan Binh
