How Many Grandmasters Are There?
The Grandmaster title is chess's highest honour, awarded for life by FIDE. As of 2026, there are approximately 2,000 living Grandmasters worldwide. Here is the full picture.
The current count
FIDE has awarded the Grandmaster title to approximately 2,000 living players (and more historically who have since passed). This number grows by roughly 30-50 new GMs each year. The title was first awarded in 1950 to 27 players.
By country
The countries with the most GMs: Russia (~250), United States (~100), India (~85), Germany (~100), China (~55). India has seen explosive growth, with many young GMs earning the title in the 2020s.
Age records
Youngest GM ever: Abhimanyu Mishra (12 years, 4 months, 25 days, in 2021). Youngest current elite player: Gukesh, who became World Champion at 18. The title is held for life, so the oldest living GMs are in their 90s.