World chess ranking by country

World chess ranking by country: the most surprising changes of the last two decades. 

 The world chess ranking by country is a classification that shows the average level of the best players in each nation. This ranking is based on FIDE ratings, which are updated monthly according to the results of official games. Between 2000 and 2023, the world chess ranking by country has experienced several important changes, which reflect the development, evolution and diversity of chess in the 21st century. These are some of the most notable changes: 

 Russia is the dominant, but... 

 Russia has been the dominant country in chess for most of the period, occupying the first place in the rankings for 20 years. However, their lead has narrowed over time, due to the emergence of new rivals and the aging of their stars. In 2023, Russia has an average rating of 2686, placing it in third place in the world ranking. 

The Red Dragons 

China has been the country that has progressed the most in chess, going from 12th place in 2000 to the top positions (from 1st to 3rd) in 2023. Its rise is due to state support, the talent of its players, and the incorporation of women into the men's team. In the year 2023, China has an average rating of 2683 and has the world champion Ding Liren in its ranks. In 2023, its general rating has been somewhat affected, probably due to: the economic and social crisis that affected the country after the pandemic, which reduced state support and public interest in chess; as well as personal interests of his main players that have prevented him from playing less at the international level. 

The Knights of the North 

The United States has been another of the countries that has improved its position the most in the ranking, going from 4th place in 2000 to third in 2023. Its progress is explained by private investment, the organization of elite tournaments, and the nationalization of foreign players. In the year 2023, the United States has an average rating of 2720, which places it in first place in the world ranking and has several players among the top ten in the world: Fabiano Caruana, Wesley So, Hikaru Nakamura and Leinier Domínguez. 

The Shatranj Masters 

 

 

India has been the most populated country in the world and the most federated, which makes it a true potential for new and established players. Some of these factors are explained below: Viswanathan Anand's legacy has inspired many generations of young talents in his country, the development of training programs, tournaments and chess academies in India have facilitated access and learning the game to millions of people, the support of sponsors, media and public figures for Indian chess, which has increased its popularity and recognition, as well as the use of technology and online platforms, which have allowed Indian players to compete, train and collaborate with chess players from all over the world. 

The Blue Bishops 

France has been one of the most prominent European countries in the ranking, remaining in the top positions from 2000 to 2023. Its success is due to the quality of its players, especially Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, who has been the number two in the world on several occasions. The emergence of new talents such as Alireza Firouzja, who became a French national, has become one of the best players in the world at her young age. The support of the French Chess Federation, which has organized high-level tournaments, such as the Grand Chess Tour of Paris, and has promoted the training and promotion of chess in the country.