Which Countries Produce the Best Chess Players? (FIDE Data)

A Deep Dive Using FIDE Data

Chess has evolved from an ancient pastime to a globally competitive sport with millions of players and thousands of titled professionals. But when we examine the elite level—Grandmasters, International Masters, and other titled players—a key question arises: Which countries consistently produce the best chess players?

Using data from the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE), the international governing body for chess, we can analyze rankings, player counts, titles, and performance trends to determine which nations dominate the chess world.

This article delves into global FIDE data to answer that question, highlighting powerhouses like Russia and India, the rise of China, the renaissance of the USA, and the growing potential of chess-emerging nations.

1. Measuring “Best”: What Metrics Matter?

Before diving into rankings, we need to define what “best” means. A country’s strength in chess can be measured through:

• Number of Grandmasters (GMs) and other titled players

• Average rating of top players

• Youth development and junior rankings

• Performance in global events (Olympiads, World Cups)

• Presence in the Top 100 (Open and Women)

• Chess infrastructure and federations

This analysis primarily focuses on official FIDE data from 2024, including top player lists, ratings, and national statistics.

2. Top Countries by Number of Grandmasters (2024)

Grandmasters represent the pinnacle of chess achievement. Countries with the most GMs are typically those with deep-rooted chess culture and sustained investment in player development.

While Russia still leads in GM numbers, its growth has slowed, whereas India and the U.S. continue to rise.

3. Top 10 Countries by Average Rating (Top 10 Players)

When focusing on elite performance, average rating gives a sharper lens. Here’s how countries rank based on their top 10 FIDE-rated players:

Note: Russia’s numbers are slightly affected due to recent international restrictions.

The USA leads, thanks to top players like Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, Wesley So, and Levon Aronian, who have all represented the country.

4. The Rise of India: A Chess Superpower in the Making

India has made remarkable strides in the last two decades. With Viswanathan Anand leading the charge in the 1990s and early 2000s, a new generation of Indian players has followed.

Key Stats:

• Grandmasters in 2000: 5

• Grandmasters in 2024: 84

• Top 20 Players (Age < 20): India has 5

• Top Juniors: Domination in U18, U16 categories

Rising stars like R Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, Gukesh D, and Arjun Erigaisi are redefining the future of global chess.

India also leads in:

• Chess Olympiad participation

• Online training and federation support

• Popularity across all age groups

5. China: Strategic Excellence and Structured Growth

China’s chess program is state-supported, and its rise has been systematic and results-driven.

Notable achievements:

• 2023 World Team Champion

• 2024 Olympiad Women’s Champions

• World Champions: Hou Yifan (Women’s), Ju Wenjun (Women’s)

China may not have the largest number of GMs, but their average performance is among the highest. They also invest heavily in:

• Structured training programs

• Chess in education systems

• Youth development

6. USA: The Home of Chess Talent Migration

The USA has grown into a global chess hub—not just for homegrown talent but also for immigrants from Russia, Armenia, the Philippines, and beyond.

Key contributors:

• Fabiano Caruana (originally Italy)

• Levon Aronian (Armenia)

• Wesley So (Philippines)

Thanks to initiatives like the Saint Louis Chess Club, the USA has hosted top events (Sinquefield Cup, U.S. Championship) and built infrastructure that supports elite-level training and scholastic chess.

7. Russia: A Legacy Under Pressure

Russia’s historical contribution to chess is unparalleled. Legends like Kasparov, Karpov, Spassky, and Botvinnik defined the modern game.

However, recent challenges include:

• Restrictions in global competition

• Funding cuts post-2022

• Migration of top players

Despite this, Russia remains a top-tier nation in terms of:

• Coaching infrastructure

• Opening preparation traditions

• Depth of field across all age groups

8. Emerging Chess Nations to Watch

a. Uzbekistan

• 2022 Chess Olympiad Gold Medalists

• Led by Nodirbek Abdusattorov, the youngest World Rapid Champion

• State investment in youth chess

b. Iran

• Producing stars like Parham Maghsoodloo and Alireza Firouzja (now representing France)

• Rapid growth in junior titles

c. Kazakhstan

• Strong female presence: Bibisara Assaubayeva, Zhansaya Abdumalik

• Investment in women’s chess and junior development

9. Top Countries by Titled Players

The total number of titled players reflects the breadth of competitive strength, not just at the top but across the spectrum.

10. Global Performance in Chess Olympiads

Recent Olympiad Winners:

• 2022 (Open): Uzbekistan (surprise gold)

• 2022 (Women): Ukraine

• 2018 (Open): China

• 2018 (Women): China

Over the last 20 years:

• Russia dominated until the mid-2010s

• China and India have emerged as strategic, deep teams

• USA has consistently medaled since 2016

11. Chess Culture and National Investment

Countries with successful chess programs often exhibit the following traits:

• Government support or federation funding

• Scholastic chess integration

• National training camps and databases

• Active online infrastructure

For example:

• Armenia made chess mandatory in school

• India integrated chess in public education in Tamil Nadu

• Norway saw a chess boom following Magnus Carlsen’s rise

Conclusion: A Global Game With Diverse Leaders

Based on FIDE data, here’s a quick summary of the countries leading in chess development:

In 2024, chess is more global than ever. While traditional powers like Russia and Ukraine remain strong, India, China, and the USA are shaping the future of elite chess. And with the explosion of online platforms, local investment, and youth enthusiasm, the next great chess nation may be just one generation away.