bump
5. A National Master (NM) of chess is a highly skilled player who has demonstrated exceptional understanding and performance in the game, typically achieving a United States Chess Federation (USCF) rating of 2200 or higher. This prestigious title reflects years of dedicated study, practice, and tournament success. National Masters possess a deep knowledge of chess strategy, tactics, and endgame theory, often competing at high levels both nationally and internationally. Though it is not a lifetime title in the same way as FIDE titles, many NMs continue to mentor aspiring players, contribute to chess literature, or transition into roles such as coaches or commentators, enriching the chessThe title of Candidate Master (CM) is one of the official titles awarded by FIDE, the international chess federation, to players who demonstrate strong skill and potential in competitive chess. It is the first step on the ladder of international titles, sitting just below FIDE Master (FM), and is typically awarded to players who achieve a FIDE rating of 2200 or higher. While not as well-known as titles like International Master (IM) or Grandmaster (GM), becoming a CM still requires significant dedication, training, and consistent performance in rated tournaments. Many Candidate Masters are young, ambitious players on the rise or experienced competitors who maintain a solid level of play, and they often serve as respected figures in their local chess communities.
4. The title of Candidate Master (CM) is one of the official titles awarded by FIDE, the international chess federation, to players who demonstrate strong skill and potential in competitive chess. It is the first step on the ladder of international titles, sitting just below FIDE Master (FM), and is typically awarded to players who achieve a FIDE rating of 2200 or higher. While not as well-known as titles like International Master (IM) or Grandmaster (GM), becoming a CM still requires significant dedication, training, and consistent performance in rated tournaments. Many Candidate Masters are young, ambitious players on the rise or experienced competitors who maintain a solid level of play, and they often serve as respected figures in their local chess communities.
3.
The title of FIDE Master (FM) is an internationally recognized chess title awarded by FIDE, the world chess federation. It is one step above Candidate Master (CM) and one below International Master (IM). To earn the FM title, a player typically needs to achieve a FIDE rating of 2300 or higher. Unlike IM and GM titles, the FM title does not require achieving specific performance norms in tournaments—only the rating threshold is required.
FIDE Masters are strong players with a deep understanding of chess theory, tactics, and competitive strategy. Many FMs are highly active in both national and international tournaments and often serve as coaches, mentors, or authors within the chess world. While the FM title may not receive the same level of recognition as the IM or GM titles, it still marks a significant achievement that reflects years of serious training, discipline, and a passion for the game.
2.
The title of International Master (IM) is one of the most prestigious titles awarded by FIDE, ranking just below Grandmaster (GM) and above FIDE Master (FM). Achieving the IM title requires a player to meet two main criteria:
-
Earn three IM norms — These are high-level performances in internationally rated tournaments against strong opponents, including other titled players.
-
Achieve a FIDE rating of at least 2400 at some point.
Becoming an International Master is a significant milestone, representing a high level of strategic understanding, tactical precision, and consistent performance in competitive play. IMs are often serious contenders in international events and may go on to pursue the Grandmaster title. Many also contribute to the chess community as coaches, authors, or streamers, helping to inspire and develop the next generation of players. While not as rare as the GM title, the IM designation is a mark of elite skill and dedication in the chess world.
1.
The title of Grandmaster (GM) is the highest honor a chess player can achieve and is recognized worldwide as a symbol of excellence, mastery, and deep dedication to the game. Awarded by FIDE, the international chess federation, the GM title requires a player to reach a FIDE rating of at least 2500 and earn three Grandmaster norms, which are exceptional performances in high-level tournaments against other titled players, including fellow GMs. These norms demonstrate not only consistent success, but the ability to compete and excel under pressure against some of the strongest players in the world. Earning the Grandmaster title is the culmination of years—often decades—of intense study, tournament experience, and mental discipline. Grandmasters possess extraordinary analytical skills, a profound understanding of opening theory, middlegame strategy, and endgame technique. They are the leaders of the chess world, often representing their countries in Olympiads and world championship events, and many contribute to the growth of the game through coaching, writing, streaming, or organizing events. While there are thousands of titled players globally, only a relatively small number have reached the GM level, making it one of the most respected titles in all of competitive mind sports.
Or you can say as: (for GM)
The title of Grandmaster (GM) is the highest and most prestigious title awarded by FIDE, the international chess federation. It represents the pinnacle of chess achievement and is a mark of world-class ability, strategic depth, and competitive excellence. To earn the GM title, a player must:
-
Achieve three Grandmaster norms — exceptional tournament performances against other strong international players, including other GMs.
-
Reach a FIDE rating of at least 2500 at some point.
Grandmasters are considered the elite of the chess world. They often compete in top-level international tournaments, national championships, and world championship cycles. The GM title is awarded for life and is recognized globally as a symbol of mastery. There are only a few thousand GMs in history, and earning this title typically requires years of rigorous study, training, and competition. Many Grandmasters also shape the chess world beyond the board—as coaches, writers, commentators, and innovators—helping to grow and evolve the game.
I swear to god I'm actually going insane. Quarantine is really getting to me. So, I decided to count how many of each typed of titled players there were. Wow! I really need to get a life. Anyway, you don't need to take this seriously. This is just way of saying I'm going crazy. [CALL THE COPS PLEASE!] Anyway, I'll be counting down the top ten titles [There are only 10 titles] by the amount of accounts registered under that title are. Okee, now without further ado, here it is.
10. WNM - Woman's National Master
As far as I know, only certain countries actually grant this title. I've done some research, and I think that the Philippines are the only country that awards this title, at least on chess.com that is. There are only 4 members with the WNM title, definitely very rare indeed.
Members who hold this title: @arvielozano, @Chickay, @jeaniiiusk
9. WGM - Woman's Grandmaster
This was interesting. I had actually expected a lot more WGM, but I guess a good bunch of them decided to verity their FM title, because they need the same FIDE rating requirement. I guess that's why a lot of WGMs are also FMs. I don't know. Take that with a grain of salt. Anyway, there are only 183 members who hold this title currently.
Members who hold this title: @TheHappyFarmer, @Anjelina, @jordanasoul
8. WCM - Woman's Candidate Master
Also really surprising. I definitely expected there to be much less of these. I never knew there were so many WCMs running around. Anyway, the reason this is probably true is because of title earning youth tournaments. I wouldn't know. I don't have the talent to compete with those geniuses. Anyways, there are 225 of these. Wow!
Members who hold this title: @jij2018, @Werta08, @Just1InTime
7. WIM - Woman's International Master
This title was also very similar to the WCM and WFM titles. There titles are very common as awards in women's youth tournaments. There are exactly 316 WIMs on chess.com right now.
Members who hold this title: @goldenpuppy, @PandasForLife, @tanki97
6. WFM - Woman's FIDE Master
Yay! Finally something that actually makes sense. The WFM is the most common title for women, or at least on chess.com that is. Most of the time, earning the WFM title requires a 2100 FIDE. There are like 451 of these running around this website. Yay!
Members who hold this title: @nicecream18, @Hantu23, @AlexandraSamaganova
5. CM - Candidate Master
CM's are great. Probably the only titled player that I actually have a change of surviving against [Yes I realize that there are other titles that aren't too hard to beat like WCMs but don't ruin it for me!] Getting the CM title requires a 2200 FIDE unless you win some kind of youth championship thingy. There are 779 of them on chess.com.
Members who hold this title: @BabyBoss31, @Karpovs_Butler, @ChessDemon2019
4. GM - Grandmaster
Why did I think there would be more GMs than NMs and IMs. I'm actually stupid. Anyway, the grandmaster is the highest title awarded by FIDE. Although this can be debatable because of the loose term "Super Grandmaster" for 2700+ FIDE, but that's an informal term. There are 1,284 of them, but many are inactive.
Members who hold this title: @Hikaru, @KNVB, @ChefsHouse
3. NM - National Master
Many believe that Candidate Masters are slightly stronger than National Masters. Although this is probably true as FIDE standards are slightly stricter than national standards, I do have to disagree. The thing with NMs are that just in many countries, including the U.S., National Chess Federations only award one title, or at least one official title that chess.com acknowledges. For example, in the U.S., in the U.S. Chess Federation, there are 3 main titles: National Master(2200), Life Master(2300), and Senior Master(2400). However, chess.com doesn't recognize that, and all of them are NMs. Thus, you never really know which one a NM is. Anyways, enough blabbering. There are a whopping 1,392 of them roaming around. WOW!
Members who hold this title: @cjxchess17, @EnergeticHay, @urutodo
2. IM - International Master
This was also pretty surprising. I expected this to be a bit more up the list, but I guess I underestimated just how many IMs there are. WOW! The IM is the second strongest title awarded by FIDE, second only to the GM title. Along with the GM title, you must also score norms to obtain this title. You know they're legit when some of them can climb up to staggering 2700 chess.com rating. There are 1,718 members registered under this title.
Members who hold this title: @LiWenliang, @Nezhmet, @Dulger
1. FM - FIDE Master
We kinda all guessed this would be at the top of the list. At least all of you did. I honestly thought the National Master title would take the Number 1 spot, but here we are. The FM title, like the WGM title, requires a 2300 FIDE, Pretty cool, huh. Guess how many there are. WRONG!!! You guessed it wrong. Don't try to lie to me. The correct answer was a staggering 2,568 of them! That's more than 800 more than our second place, the IM title. Wow! Very COOL!
Members who hold this title: @SeaAnne, @kingandqueen2017, @MichiganEagle
Thanks for reading! This took me a long time to put up cuz I'm SLOW. Anyways, please leave a comment and maybe describe your thoughts on this census. Make sure to also view and follow these titled players I've listed above to support them I guess.