FIDESchachliste

FIDESchachliste, commonly referred to as the FIDE rating list, is the official ranking of chess players published by the International Chess Federation (FIDE). It provides standardized ratings that reflect a player’s strength based on results in FIDE-rated games. In addition to the standard (classical) list, there are separate lists for rapid and blitz formats.

The ratings are generated from games played in FIDE‑rated events and are updated monthly. The underlying method uses the Elo rating system, with adjustments determined by FIDE’s rating regulations, including factors such as the number of rated games and players’ titles. Each entry typically includes the player’s name, federation, current rating, number of rated games, highest rating achieved, and any title (GM, IM, etc.). The list also indicates whether a player is active or inactive based on recent participation.

The FIDE rating lists serve several purposes. They are used to determine title eligibility and to seed players for major tournaments, including world championship cycles and World Cup events. They also function as a widely accepted benchmark of a player’s strength and as a basis for invitations and pairings in various competitions. Ratings in the lists are periodically cited by media, federations, and event organizers.

Access to the FIDE lists is provided on FIDE’s official ratings website (ratings.fide.com), where users can view standard, rapid, and blitz ratings, search individual players, and review historical rating data. While the lists are a fundamental reference in international chess, they reflect activity and results in rated events and may not capture short-term form or recent improvements that have not yet produced rated results.