Will Levy Rozman Ever Become a Grandmaster?

Levy Rozman, better known as GothamChess, is one of the most recognizable chess personalities in the world today. He’s an International Master (IM), a title that already places him among the top tier of competitive chess players. However, the question many fans ask is whether he will one day make the leap to Grandmaster (GM). Achieving GM status is no small feat—it requires a FIDE rating of 2500+ and earning three GM norms in high-level tournaments. Rozman has previously come close, with a peak rating near that mark, but the challenge is maintaining and pushing beyond that level under strict tournament conditions. His focus in recent years has shifted heavily toward streaming, teaching, and content creation, which leaves less time for the grind of competitive chess. That said, his deep understanding of the game means he has the raw skill to compete at a high level if he chooses. One obstacle is balancing his successful online brand with the dedication needed for a GM title, as both require enormous time and energy. Some argue that his current lifestyle makes the GM dream less likely, while others believe he could still do it if he fully commits for a period. Rozman himself has been candid about the difficulty and whether it’s worth the pursuit at this stage in his career. The chess world has seen other players make late pushes toward GM, so it’s not impossible. Ultimately, the decision may come down to personal goals rather than public expectations. If he never becomes a GM, his impact on chess culture is already massive, influencing millions of players worldwide. But if he does decide to chase the title, fans would no doubt follow the journey with excitement. Either way, Levy Rozman’s name will remain an important part of modern chess history.