FIDE Ratings for October 2026: Carlsen Number One Again

FIDE Rating List for October 2026 Published: Carlsen Remains No. 1 as Sindarov and Abdusattorov Strengthen Their Positions

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has published its new rating list for October 1, 2026. Following a busy September on the chess calendar, there have been several notable changes near the top of the standings, but the No. 1 spot once again belongs to Magnus Carlsen.

The official list not only shows the current balance of power among the world's leading grandmasters but also highlights several interesting trends: the continued rise of Uzbek chess, the return of young players to the elite, and another strong month for Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş.

Carlsen Remains No. 1

Magnus Carlsen begins October at the top of the world rankings with a rating of 2823.

The Norwegian maintains a significant lead over his closest rivals. Hikaru Nakamura is second with 2792, while Fabiano Caruana is third on 2784. The gap between first and second place is therefore 31 rating points.

The FIDE classical chess top 10 for October is as follows:

The data corresponds to the official FIDE rating list published for October 1, 2026.

Uzbek Chess Continues Its Rise

One of the most notable features of the October list is the presence of two Uzbek players in the top five.

Javokhir Sindarov is fourth with a rating of 2782, while Nodirbek Abdusattorov is fifth with 2780. The difference between them is just two rating points.

Sindarov's position is particularly notable. Not long ago, he was still establishing himself among the world's strongest players; now he sits directly behind the Carlsen–Nakamura–Caruana trio. Abdusattorov, meanwhile, continues to establish himself as one of the leading representatives of the new generation of elite grandmasters.

Uzbekistan is represented by more than just this pair in the October rankings. Following the successful Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, international attention on the country's chess system has increased even further.

Praggnanandhaa Returns to the Top Seven

Indian grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa occupies seventh place with a rating of 2763.

His position is another indication of how quickly the upper reaches of the world rankings are changing. Indian chess continues to have several representatives among the global elite, while the country's young grandmasters regularly compete for the highest positions.

At the same time, reigning world champion Gukesh Dommaraju is ranked below his compatriot Praggnanandhaa in the October list. In the separate FIDE junior rankings, however, Gukesh remains one of the leaders, with a rating of 2710 and second place.

Erdoğmuş Continues His Rapid Rise

One of the most interesting names in the October rankings is Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş.

The Turkish grandmaster, born in 2011, has reached a rating of 2731 and occupies 17th place in the overall world rankings. According to the published list, he gained 15 rating points over the month.

Erdoğmuş is particularly noteworthy because he continues to climb the rankings at an exceptionally young age. In April 2026, he had already crossed the 2700 mark in the live ratings, and his latest performance has now been reflected in the official October list.

What Happened in the Women's Rankings?

In the women's classification, Hou Yifan remains in first place.

The Chinese grandmaster has a rating of 2596, ahead of compatriots Zhu Jiner (2559), Ju Wenjun (2553) and Lei Tingjie (2552).

Alexandra Goryachkina occupies fifth place with 2536, the same rating as Tan Zhongyi. Bibisara Assaubayeva, on 2532, has dropped from fifth to seventh place.

The women's top 10 is:

The New Rating List Highlights a Generational Shift

The October rankings are interesting not only because of the names in the top 10. They also highlight a broader trend that is gradually reshaping the modern chess elite.

Carlsen remains at the top, but the new generation is becoming increasingly prominent immediately behind him. Sindarov, Abdusattorov, Praggnanandhaa, Keymer and other young grandmasters are steadily moving closer to the very top of the rankings.

The junior rankings are particularly revealing. Erdoğmuş leads the list with 2731, followed by Gukesh on 2710, while several other Indian players are already above the 2670 mark.

October Opens a New Race in World Chess

The new FIDE rating list has been released at a particularly busy point in the season. Following the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, the world's leading players are moving on to the next stage of the calendar, and every new classical tournament could significantly affect the balance of power.

Carlsen begins October in his familiar position at the top, but the gap between several of his closest challengers is narrowing. The battle around fourth and fifth place is especially intriguing, with Sindarov and Abdusattorov now closing in on the top three.

The October FIDE rating list therefore highlights two simultaneous trends: stability at the very top and the rapid rise of a new generation of players immediately behind the leaders. If the current momentum continues, the fight for positions in the world's top 10 could become particularly intense during the remaining months of 2026.