The Women's World Chess Championship is a prestigious tournament that determines the world champion among female chess players. It has been held since 1927 and is organized by the World Chess Federation (FIDE). The championship features a series of matches between the reigning champion and a challenger who qualifies through various tournaments. The format typically includes a series of games played over several weeks, with the player who wins the most games declared the champion. Notable champions include Judith Polgar and Hou Yifan, who have significantly contributed to the popularity of women's chess on a global scale.