Top 10 Richest Chess Players in the World (2025)

Chess is no longer a quiet game played in schools or parks. Today, it is a fast-growing sport, which is watched and followed by millions. With exciting tournaments and young Indian stars making waves globally, chess has become a cool and serious career choice.

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One big reason for this change is the Internet era. Players like GMHikaru (Hikaru Nakamura) and GothamChess have become massive stars on Twitch and YouTube, earning lakhs every month. 

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In India, comedian Samay Raina has played a key role in popularising chess to the masses who are not aware, bringing in a new audience to the sport. 

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During the lockdown, his online streams with grandmasters brought chess to the masses, especially to younger audiences.

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As the viewership of the game increases, prize money in chess has grown big. The 2024 World Chess Championship prize money was one of the highest ever. 

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Three of the top 10 highest-ranked players in the world in 2025 are from India. Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa, and Vidit Gujrathi are now global names, winning medals, earning crores, and inspiring the next generation.

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Of course, none of this would’ve been possible without legends like Viswanathan Anand, who paved the way and proved that India can be a chess superpower.

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You can listen to a candid conversation between Prakhar Gupta and Vishy Anand on YouTube.

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Let’s begin with how chess players actually make money.

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How Do Chess Players Make Money?

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Many people think that chess players only earn from winning tournaments or teaching. But that’s just one part of it. 

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Today, top chess players have many ways to earn money, both online and offline. Here's how they do it:

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1. Prize Money from Tournaments

2. Sponsorships and Endorsements

3. Streaming and YouTube

4. Chess Coaching and Courses

5. Government Awards and Salaries

6. Chess Coaching

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Richest Chess Players in the World

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1. Magnus Carlsen (₹217–435 crore)

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Country: Norway

Net Worth: ₹217–435 crore

World Ranking (2025): #1

FIDE Rating: ~2830+ (Classical)

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Accomplishments:

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• 5-time World Chess Champion (2013–2023)
• Winner of elite tournaments like Tata Steel, Sinquefield Cup, and Grand Chess Tour
• Champions Chess Tour 2024 winner
• One of the longest-reigning world #1s in chess history
• Multiple-time World Rapid and Blitz medalist

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Income Sources: Magnus Carlsen earns from tournaments, online events, and endorsements, plus a major payout from Play Magnus Group’s $82M sale.

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He also makes money through Twitch, YouTube, Chessable lessons, and his Magnus Trainer app.

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2. Hikaru Nakamura (₹391–435 crore)

Country: United States
Net Worth: ₹391–435 crore
World Ranking (2025): #5
FIDE Rating: ~2780 (Classical)

Accomplishments:

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• 5-time U.S. Chess Champion
  
  
• Top finisher in elite tournaments like the Grand Chess Tour and the Speed Chess Championship
  
  
• Major figure in global chess streaming and online tournaments

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‍Income Sources: Hikaru earns heavily from Twitch and YouTube via ads, subs, and donations. He also benefits from sponsorships with Misfits Gaming and Chess.com, tournament winnings, and private coaching sessions.

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3. Garry Kasparov (₹87–104 crore)

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Country: Russia
Net Worth: ₹87–104 crore
World Ranking (2025): Retired
FIDE Rating: Peak ~2851 (Classical)

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Accomplishments:

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• Longest-reigning World Chess Champion (1985–2000)
  
  
• Defeated world champions like Karpov and Kramnik
  
  
• One of the highest-rated players in history
  
  
• Renowned author and chess ambassador

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‍Income Sources: Kasparov earns from bestselling books, keynote speaking at political and corporate events, and masterclasses. He also benefited from past championship prize money and legacy-based endorsements.

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4. Viswanathan Anand (₹70–87 crore)

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Country: India
Net Worth: ₹70–87 crore
World Ranking (2025): #16
FIDE Rating: ~2750 (Classical)

Accomplishments:

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• 5-time World Chess Champion
  
  
• First Indian to achieve the Grandmaster title (1988)
  
  
• Winner of tournaments like Linares, Corus, and Rapid World Championships
  
  
• Padma Vibhushan awardee

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‍Income Sources: Anand earns from tournament prizes, government cash awards, brand endorsements (like NIIT), and book royalties. He remains one of India’s most celebrated sports figures and chess ambassadors.

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5. Fabiano Caruana (₹52–113 crore)

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Country: United States
Net Worth: ₹52–113 crore
World Ranking (2025): #2
FIDE Rating: ~2805 (Classical)

Accomplishments:

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• 2018 World Chess Championship finalist
  
  
• Multiple-time U.S. Champion
  
  
• Winner of major tournaments like the Candidates, Sinquefield Cup, and Grand Swiss
  
  
• Consistently ranked among the world’s top 5

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‍Income Sources: Caruana earns from top-tier tournament prizes, brand partnerships with Red Bull and Chess.com, and high-end coaching and public appearances.

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6. Levon Aronian (₹52–113 crore)

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Country: United States (formerly Armenia)
Net Worth: ₹43–61 crore
World Ranking (2025): #9
FIDE Rating: ~2765 (Classical)

Accomplishments:

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• Multiple-time World Cup semifinalist and a Candidate participant
  
  
• Winner of Linares, Tal Memorial, and Grand Slam events
  
  
• Team gold medalist at Chess Olympiads for Armenia
  
  
• Known for a creative, aggressive playstyle

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Income Sources: Aronian earns from international tournament winnings, Armenian government bonuses, and various sponsorship deals. His consistent elite performance and charismatic presence have kept him a fan favourite.

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7. Judit Polgár (₹43–52 crore)

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Country: Hungary
Net Worth: ₹43–52 crore
World Ranking (Peak): Former World #8 (highest-ever for a woman)
FIDE Rating (Retired): ~2735 (Peak)

Accomplishments:

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• Defeated 11 World Champions, including Kasparov, Anand, and Carlsen
  
  
• Widely regarded as the greatest female chess player of all time
  
  
• Former Women’s World #1 for over 25 years
  
  
• Peak world ranking of #8 among all players

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Income Sources: Judit Polgár earned significantly through elite tournament winnings during the 1990s–2000s. She continues to generate income via best-selling books, public speaking, educational initiatives through the Judit Polgar Chess Foundation, and ambassadorial roles with global institutions like FIDE and UNESCO.

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8. Ding Liren (₹26–35 crore)

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Country: China
Net Worth: ₹26–35 crore
World Ranking (2025): Top 10
FIDE Rating: ~2780 (Classical)

Accomplishments:

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• FIDE World Chess Champion (2023)
  
  
• First Chinese male World Champion in history
  
  
• Consistent top performer in elite global tournaments
  
  
• Winner of multiple Chinese Chess Championships

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‍Income Sources: Ding Liren earns from tournament winnings, including the World Chess Championship 2023, and elite international events. He also benefits from Chinese brand sponsorships and endorsements at the national level.

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9. Alireza Firouzja (₹17–26 crore)

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Country: France (originally Iran)
Net Worth: ₹17–26 crore
World Ranking (2025): Top 15
FIDE Rating: ~2760 (Classical)

Accomplishments:

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• Former World #2 at age 18 — youngest since Magnus Carlsen
  
  
• Runner-up in the top CCT and World Rapid events
  
  
• Regular participant in Grand Chess Tour and elite tournaments

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Income Sources: Alireza Firouzja earns through tournament prize winnings, such as his strong performance in Chessable Masters 2025, and other elite online/offline events. 

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He also benefits from online sponsorships and brand deals tied to his growing international appeal.

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10. D. Gukesh Dommaraju (₹20+ crore)

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Country: India
Net Worth: ₹20+ crore
World Ranking (2025): #2
FIDE Rating: ~2765 (Classical)

Accomplishments:

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• 2024 World Chess Champion (youngest ever)
  
  
• Winner of 2024 Candidates Tournament
  
  
• Member of India’s medal-winning Chess Olympiad team
  
  
• Recipient of the Khel Ratna Award

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Income Sources: Gukesh earned over ₹11.45 crore from the 2024 World Championship alone, totalling ₹13+ crore in prize money for the year. 

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He also received ₹5 crore from the Tamil Nadu government and ₹45 lakh from national bodies. Endorsements, brand gifts (including a Mercedes-Benz), and national honours further boost his net worth.

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Chess Player Salary in India

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Government Rewards for Indian Chess Players

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The Indian government has created strong incentive systems to support chess growth:

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Arjuna Award

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The Arjuna Award is one of the highest sporting honours in India. Here are some of the players who have received this prestigious award:

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• Viswanathan Anand
  
  
• Dronavalli Harika
  
  
• Pentala Harikrishna
  Comes with a ₹15 lakh cash prize and national recognition.
  
  

Cash Prizes by State Governments

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Examples:

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• Gukesh D received ₹5 crore from the Tamil Nadu government after winning the World Chess Championship 2024.
  
  
• Praggnanandhaa received ₹25 lakh after his strong Olympiad performance.
  
  
• The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and AICF provide incentives like ₹30–45 lakh for team medals.

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Conclusion

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The chessboard has never offered more possibilities than it does today. What was once seen as a quiet, niche pursuit has now transformed into a mainstream sport, a digital phenomenon, and even a viable career path.

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From million-dollar championship prizes to brand endorsements, government rewards, streaming income, and coaching opportunities, chess is no longer just about trophies; it's about building a legacy and a livelihood.

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India, in particular, is becoming a global powerhouse of chess talent, with young stars like Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa, and Vaishali showing that the sky is the limit. 

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The rise of supportive ecosystems from state federations to digital platforms means that a player with talent, discipline, and digital savvy can reach global heights.