Chess is one of the most popular and oldest games in the world, enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. It is also a highly competitive sport, with players competing in national and international tournaments to be recognized as the best in the world. Here, we present the 10 best countries in chess, based on the strength of their players, the number of tournaments hosted, and their overall success in the sport.
1. Russia
Russia is without a doubt the strongest chess-playing nation in the world. The country has produced numerous world champions, including Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov. Russian players consistently dominate international tournaments, and the country has also hosted numerous high-profile events, including the Chess Olympiad and the World Chess Championship.
2. United States
The United States has a rich history in chess and has produced many of the game’s greatest players, including Bobby Fischer and Samuel Reshevsky. In recent years, the US has emerged as a dominant force in the sport, with many of its players ranked among the top in the world. The US is also home to the annual Sinquefield Cup, one of the most prestigious chess tournaments in the world.
3. China
China has rapidly emerged as a powerhouse in the sport of chess, thanks in part to the country’s investment in chess programs and training for young players. China has produced a number of world-class players, including Ding Liren and Hou Yifan. The country also hosts several high-profile chess tournaments, including the FIDE World Cup and the China Chess League.
4. India
India has a long and storied history in the game of chess, dating back to the 6th century. The country has produced many talented players, including Viswanathan Anand, who was world champion from 2007-2013. In recent years, India has seen a surge in interest in the sport, with many young players rising through the ranks and achieving success in international tournaments.
5. Armenia
Armenia is a relatively small country, but it has made a big impact in the world of chess. The country has produced several top players, including Levon Aronian, who is consistently ranked among the top 10 players in the world. Armenia has also won multiple medals in the Chess Olympiad, including gold in 2006 and 2008.
6. Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan has become a force to be reckoned with in the world of chess, thanks to the success of players such as Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Teimour Radjabov. The country has hosted numerous high-profile events, including the World Chess Olympiad in 2016.
7. Ukraine
Ukraine has a long tradition of excellence in chess, dating back to the Soviet era. The country has produced several world-class players, including Vassily Ivanchuk and Ruslan Ponomariov. Ukraine has also won multiple medals in the Chess Olympiad, including gold in 2004.
8. Hungary
Hungary has a rich history in chess, with many of the game’s greatest players hailing from the country, including Pal Benko and Judit Polgar. Hungary has also hosted many high-profile events, including the 2014 Chess Olympiad.
9. France
France may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of chess, but the country has a strong tradition in the sport. French players such as Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Etienne Bacrot have achieved success in international tournaments, and the country has hosted several high-profile events, including the 2017 Candidates Tournament.
10. Israel
Israel has produced several top chess players, including Boris Gelfand and Judit Polgar. The country has also hosted numerous high-profile events, including the World Team Chess Championship.
That concludes the list of the best countries in chess. Russia has been and will likely continue to dominate in chess for the foreseeable future.