grandmaster

Grandmaster (GM) is a title awarded by FIDE, the international chess federation, to highly accomplished chess players. It is the strongest official title in chess apart from the World Champion, and it is held for life. The title is open to players of any nationality and gender, and it is widely recognized as a mark of the world’s elite competitive players.

To earn GM status, a player must achieve three or more grandmaster norms in FIDE-approved tournaments and reach a FIDE rating of at least 2500 at some point. A norm represents a high-level performance in a qualifying event that meets specific field-strength and participation requirements. The title is conferred after FIDE reviews a player’s norms and rating. Once awarded, the grandmaster title remains with the player for life, even if subsequent results fluctuate.

The title has a formal history as well. FIDE introduced the grandmaster title in 1950, naming 27 inaugural grandmasters. Since then, the number of GMs has grown substantially, reflecting the expansion of competitive chess worldwide. Related titles include Woman Grandmaster (WGM), which has separate requirements, and other honorary recognitions that may be conferred for significant contributions to the game. In addition to formal designations, the term grandmaster is sometimes used informally in other disciplines to denote exceptional mastery, though such usage is not governed by FIDE rules.