How many chess grandmasters are there?
At any given point, there are 1,900-2,000 living grandmasters in the world, according to the FIDE rating list. There have been more than 2,000 grandmasters in chess history, including three titles that have been revoked.
Below we look deeper into the number of chess grandmasters both living and throughout history, providing valuable insights into the world of chess and its elite players.
What is a Chess Grandmaster?
The title of Grandmaster is awarded by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) and is the highest title a chess player can achieve.
It is a recognition of exceptional skill and achievement in the game.
To become a grandmaster, a player must meet certain criteria set by FIDE.
These criteria include achieving a minimum rating of 2500 in at least 24 rated games against other grandmasters, winning specific tournaments, or achieving certain performance ratings in tournaments.
Number of Chess Grandmasters Throughout History
The number of grandmasters has grown over time due to various factors such as the increasing popularity of chess, improved access to resources and training, and the expansion of international tournaments.
The Growth of Chess Grandmasters
| Decade | Number of grandmasters |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 11 |
| 1960s | 55 |
| 1970s | 138 |
| 1980s | 347 |
| 1990s | 570 |
| 2000s | 996 |
| 2010s | 1565 |
| 2020s | ~2000 |
The most significant increase in the number of grandmasters occurred in the 2010s. This was due in part to the rise of chess in China and India, as well as the increasing popularity of online chess.
The number of grandmasters is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
This is a positive development for the world of chess, as it will lead to more competition and innovation.
FAQs – How Many Chess Grandmasters Are There? (Living & All Time)
1. How many chess grandmasters are there in the world?
As of [current year], there are approximately [number] living chess grandmasters worldwide.
2. Which country has the most chess grandmasters?
The country with the most grandmasters is Russia, with over 250 grandmasters.
Other countries with a large number of grandmasters include the United States, China, India, and Ukraine.
3. How many chess grandmasters are there in the United States?
There are over 100 chess grandmasters in the United States.
The United States has the second-most grandmasters of any country in the world, after Russia.
Some of the most notable American grandmasters include:
- Fabiano Caruana
- Levon Aronian
- Wesley So
- Hikaru Nakamura
- Gata Kamsky
- Irina Krush
The United States has a long and rich history in chess. The first American grandmaster was Bobby Fischer, who earned the title in 1958.
Fischer went on to become the world champion in 1972.
In recent years, the United States has experienced a surge in the number of grandmasters.
This is due in part to the growing popularity of chess in the United States, as well as the efforts of organizations such as the US Chess Federation to promote and develop chess.
The future of chess in the United States is bright.
With a large and growing number of grandmasters, the United States is poised to continue to be a major player in the world of chess.
4. How many chess grandmasters are there in India?
India has also witnessed a significant growth in the number of chess grandmasters. As of [current year], there are [number] grandmasters from India.
5. How has the number of chess grandmasters changed over time?
The number of chess grandmasters has steadily increased since the establishment of the Grandmaster title in 1950.
The number of grandmasters has been increasing steadily over the years. In 1972, there were only 99 grandmasters in the world.
Today, there are over 1,700 grandmasters from over 100 countries.
6. What are the criteria for becoming a chess grandmaster?
To become a grandmaster, a player must meet certain criteria set by FIDE, including achieving a minimum rating of 2500 in at least 24 rated games against other grandmasters, winning specific tournaments, or achieving certain performance ratings in tournaments.
7. Can a woman become a chess grandmaster?
Absolutely! The title of Grandmaster is not gender-specific. There have been several female chess grandmasters throughout history, including Judit Polgár, Hou Yifan, and Humpy Koneru.
8. Are there any age restrictions for becoming a chess grandmaster?
No, there are no age restrictions for becoming a chess grandmaster. Players of any age can achieve the title as long as they meet the criteria set by FIDE.
9. Who is the youngest grandmaster in history?
The youngest grandmaster in history is Abhimanyu Mishra, who earned the title at the age of 12 years, 4 months, and 25 days.
10. Who is the oldest grandmaster in history?
The oldest grandmaster in history is Yuri Averbakh, who earned the title at the age of 62 years and 187 days.
Related: Why Are Grandmasters So Young?
11. What percent of chess grandmasters are men?
About 98% of grandmasters are men. However, the number of female grandmasters is also increasing. There are currently around 40 female grandmasters in the world.
Related: Women’s Chess Titles
12. Is becoming a grandmaster in chess hard?
Becoming a grandmaster is a very difficult achievement. It requires many years of hard work and dedication.
However, for those who are passionate about chess, it is one of the ultimate goals.
13. Who was the first American female chess grandmaster?
The first female American chess grandmaster was Irina Krush.
Her peak rating was 2502 in October 2013.
14. Which grandmasters have gotten their GM title revoked by FIDE?
Three chess grandmasters have had their titles revoked for cheating:
- Gaioz Nigalidze (Georgia) was caught cheating at the 2015 Dubai Open. He was found to have been using a chess engine to analyze his game during the tournament. Nigalidze was stripped of his grandmaster title and banned from chess for three years.
- Igors Rausis (Latvia) was caught cheating at the 2019 Strasbourg Open. He was found to have been using a chess engine to analyze his game during the tournament. Rausis was stripped of his grandmaster title and banned from chess for four years.
- Alexandru Crisan (Romania) was found to have falsified his results in order to achieve the grandmaster title. Crisan was stripped of his grandmaster title and banned from chess for life.
Cheating is a serious offense in chess, and the FIDE Ethics Commission takes a strong stance against it.
The revocation of a grandmaster title is a significant punishment, and it is a reminder that cheating will not be tolerated in the sport of chess.
Note that all three of these grandmasters were caught cheating after the advent of technology, and strong chess playing programs on smartphones.
This suggests that it is now easier for players to cheat, and that the FIDE Ethics Commission is more vigilant about catching cheaters.
