In the 2008–09 season Shutova won her first World Cup title in Saint-Maur. At the World Championships in Antalya she edged out France's Laura Flessel-Colovic in the quarter-final, then prevailed over Anfisa Pochkalova of Ukraine to meet Canada's Sherraine Schalm in the final. After a tight match Shutova struck the decisive hit on priority and won Russia's first World title in women's épée. She finished the season World No.6, a career best as of 2014.