How much prize money did chess players win in 2024?
🏆 How Much Prize Money Did Chess Players Earn in 2024?
Chess has long been more than just a game of intellect — it’s now a serious professional industry.
In 2024, prize funds and payouts to top players increased significantly, making chess a financially rewarding career path for many grandmasters.
Let’s see who earned the most, which events contributed to these results, and what trends emerged.
📈 Who Earned the Most?
According to available data, in 2024, 17 players surpassed the mark of $100,000 in prize money.
At the top of the list is Gukesh Dommaraju, with approximately $1,577,842 — at only 18 years old.
In second place is Ding Liren with around $1,183,600.
Other high earners include Alireza Firouzja (~$639,173) and Magnus Carlsen (~$633,369).
Here’s a table showing the top 17 chess players by prize money in 2024:
| № | Player | Approximate Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gukesh Dommaraju | $1,577,842 |
| 2 | Ding Liren | $1,183,600 |
| 3 | Alireza Firouzja | $639,173 |
| 4 | Magnus Carlsen | $633,369 |
| 5 | Fabiano Caruana | $456,520 |
| 6 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | $449,486 |
| 7 | Maxime Vachier-Lagrave | $254,375 |
| 8 | Hikaru Nakamura | $241,228 |
| 9 | Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu | $202,136 |
| 10 | Wesley So | $192,744 |
| 11 | Ju Wenjun | $170,386 |
| 12 | Nodirbek Abdusattorov | $132,981 |
| 13 | Humpy Koneru | $123,497 |
| 14 | Levon Aronian | $122,985 |
| 15 | Arjun Erigaisi | $119,767 |
| 16 | Volodar Murzin | $118,750 |
| 17 | Jan-Krzysztof Duda | $105,899 |
💰 Key Tournaments and Prize Funds
One of the main sources of major payouts was the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024,
with a total prize fund of $2,500,000.
Additionally, major series such as the Grand Chess Tour 2024 offered prize pools around $1.4 million.
🧭 What Does This Mean for Chess?
- The rise in prize money makes chess more appealing as a profession, not just as a hobby.
- Younger players are starting to earn significant sums, driving a generational shift.
- Larger tournaments and transparent prize structures encourage more competition and professionalism.
🏁 Conclusion: Chess Is Becoming a Serious Business
The year 2024 proved that chess is not only about intellect, enthusiasm, and strategy — it’s also about real money.
When players earn millions, it transforms their preparation, motivation, and the entire chess ecosystem.
Whether you’re a serious competitor or just starting out, keep an eye on major tournaments and prize trends —
because even on the chessboard, there’s always something at stake.