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Chess encyclopedia
Grandmaster in Chess

Grandmaster in Chess

Grandmaster is the highest title a chess player can earn, second only to World Champion. The GM chess title is awarded by FIDE, the International Chess Federation, and once you have it, it's yours for life. Around 2,000 players worldwide hold the Grandmaster title. That's out of millions who play competitively. Getting there requires a combination of rating achievement and tournament performance that most players never reach.

What is a Chess Grandmaster?

A chess Grandmaster is a player who has met FIDE's highest standard for competitive excellence. The title recognizes sustained performance against top-level opposition in international tournaments.

The GM in chess designation dates back to 1950, when FIDE first awarded it to 27 players. Since then, the requirements have become more formalized, but the prestige remains the same. When you see GM next to someone's name, you're looking at one of the strongest players in the world.

Grandmasters compete in elite events, represent their countries at the Chess Olympiad, and often work as professional coaches, authors, or commentators. You can watch many of them play on World Chess and follow their careers on the players page.

How to Become a Grandmaster (GM) in Chess

Two requirements must be met:

1. Achieve a FIDE rating of 2500

The Grandmaster chess rating threshold is 2500. This alone puts you in rare company—fewer than 1% of rated players ever reach this level. You don't need to maintain 2500 forever; hitting it once is enough.

2. Earn three GM norms

A norm is a tournament performance that meets specific criteria:

  • Performance rating of 2600 or higher
  • Minimum of 9 games
  • Opponents must include at least 3 Grandmasters
  • Opponents must average at least 2380 rating
  • Players from at least 3 different federations
  • No more than 60% of opponents from your own country

Each norm must come from a different tournament. You need three.

Some achievements award the Grandmaster title directly without norms: winning the World Junior Championship, finishing in the top ranks of the World Cup, or winning certain continental championships.

The youngest player to earn the Grandmaster title was Abhimanyu Mishra, who qualified at 12 years, 4 months, and 25 days in 2021.

Importance of GM Chess Title

Elite tournament access. Many top invitational events accept Grandmasters only. The title opens doors that remain closed to lower-titled players.

Professional credibility. The Grandmaster in chess world carries weight. GMs command higher fees for coaching, get book deals, secure sponsorships, and receive invitations to commentate major events.

Permanent recognition. Unlike ratings, which change with every tournament, the GM title is forever. A Grandmaster who stops playing competitively is still a Grandmaster.

International respect. The title means the same thing everywhere. A GM from India and a GM from Norway met identical standards.

Grandmaster Title Conclusion

The Grandmaster title represents the peak of chess achievement outside the World Championship itself. Earning it requires both a 2500 rating and three qualifying tournament performances against international competition.

For players serious about reaching this level, the path is clear: build your rating, seek out norm tournaments, and perform when it counts. Thousands try. Around 2,000 have made it.