Famous Chinese Chess Players

Qiyu Zhou, known as Nemo Zhou and akaNemsko, is a Chinese-born Canadian chess player holding the titles of Woman Grandmaster (WGM) and FIDE Master (FM). She has achieved notable successes in chess, including winning various championships and representing Canada internationally. Zhou started her Twitch channel in 2020, streaming chess and collaborating with other streamers. She made history by signing with Counter Logic Gaming, becoming the first chess player to join an esports organization, showcasing her versatility in both traditional chess and esports realms.

Ju Wenjun is a renowned Chinese chess grandmaster who has achieved significant milestones in her career. She currently holds the title of Women's World Chess Champion and is known for her exceptional skills on the board. Ju Wenjun has made history by becoming one of the few women to achieve a rating of 2600. With a remarkable track record, she has secured the Women's World Chess Champion title four times, showcasing her dominance in the world of chess. Her strategic prowess and dedication to the game have earned her widespread recognition and respect in the chess community.

Ding Liren is a Chinese chess grandmaster and the highest-rated Chinese player in history. He has won multiple Chinese Chess Championships and the 2019 Grand Chess Tour. Ding made history as the first Chinese player to pass the 2800 Elo mark and play in a Candidates Tournament. He held the highest Blitz rating in the world in 2016 and became the No. 1 Rapid player in 2023. Ding achieved a record-breaking 100-game unbeaten streak in classical chess and secured the World Chess Championship in 2023 by defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi.

Hou Yifan is a Chinese chess grandmaster and professor at Shenzhen University. She is a four-time Women's World Chess Champion and is the second highest rated female player of all time. Known as a chess prodigy, she achieved several milestones in her career, such as becoming the youngest female player to qualify for the title of grandmaster and the youngest ever to win the Women's World Chess Championship. Hou has been ranked as the No. 1 woman in the world since September 2015 and is widely considered the best active female chess player.

Wei Yi is a highly accomplished Chinese chess grandmaster known for his exceptional achievements at a young age. He became a grandmaster at just 13 years old, ranking as the 9th youngest in history. Wei holds the record for being the youngest player to reach a rating of 2700, achieving this milestone at the age of 15. He has represented the Jiangsu club in the China Chess League and has claimed victory in prestigious events such as the Chinese Chess Championship, Asian Chess Championship, and Tata Steel Masters.

Lei Tingjie is a highly accomplished Chinese chess player holding the prestigious title of Grandmaster. She has achieved notable victories in various competitions, including being the 2021 Women's Grand Swiss champion, the 2017 Chinese women's national champion, and the 2022–23 Women's Candidates winner. Lei's remarkable talent and dedication to the game were evident when she earned the Grandmaster title at the age of 19, making her the sixth woman to achieve this milestone during her teenage years.

Zhu Chen is a prominent chess Grandmaster originally from China who became the country's second women's world chess champion in 1999. She also achieved the title of China's 13th Grandmaster. In 2006, she obtained Qatari citizenship and transitioned to representing Qatar in chess competitions. Throughout her professional career, Zhu Chen has showcased exceptional strategic skills and a deep understanding of the game, earning her a respected reputation in the international chess community.

Xie Jun is a prominent figure in the world of chess, renowned for her achievements as a Chinese chess grandmaster. She made history as the first Asian woman to attain the prestigious title of chess grandmaster. With two separate reigns as Women's World Chess Champion, Xie demonstrated her exceptional skill and strategic prowess. She holds a distinguished position among elite female chess players, alongside other legends like Elisaveta Bykova and Hou Yifan. Xie Jun's contributions extend beyond her playing career, as she now serves as the president of the Chinese Chess Association and has been honored with induction into the World Chess Hall of Fame in 2019.

Li Chao is a distinguished Chinese chess Grandmaster and the Asian champion in 2013. He attained the prestigious title of Grandmaster at the young age of 18, becoming China's 23rd Grandmaster. With a notable career in chess, he has served as an assistant to Grandmaster Wang Yue, further solidifying their close friendship that dates back to their childhood. Li Chao is recognized in chess circles as "Li Chao b" to differentiate him from another Chinese chess player with the same name.

Wang Hao is a Chinese chess grandmaster known for his impressive career in professional chess. He achieved the notable feat of breaking through the 2700 Elo rating mark in November 2009, becoming the fourth Chinese player to do so. In 2019, he secured a spot in the prestigious 2020 Candidates Tournament by winning the FIDE Grand Swiss Tournament. Despite announcing his retirement in 2021 due to health reasons, Wang made a comeback to competitive chess in 2022, demonstrating his enduring passion for the game.

Tan Zhongyi is a highly accomplished Chinese chess player, holding the prestigious title of grandmaster. She has achieved notable successes in the world of chess, including being a former Women's World Champion and Women's World Rapid Champion. Tan has also secured multiple national championship titles in China. Her recent victory in the Women's Candidates Tournament 2024 has earned her the opportunity to challenge Ju Wenjun in the upcoming Women's World Chess Championship 2025, further solidifying her reputation as a formidable force in the chess world.

Bu Xiangzhi is a prominent Chinese chess player known for achieving grandmaster status at a young age, making him the youngest in history at the time. He has made significant contributions to Chinese chess, winning the national championship in 2004 and being a key member of the successful Chinese team at various international competitions. Bu's accomplishments include surpassing the 2700 Elo rating mark alongside other top Chinese players. His professional career is marked by consistent success and a strong presence in both individual and team competitions on the global chess circuit.

Wang Yue is a Chess Grandmaster from China, known for being the highest rated player in Chinese history as of 2013. He made history by crossing the 2700 ratings plateau and became the first Chinese player to do so. He joined the Chinese Olympiad team in 2004 and became the youngest National men's Champion of China in 2005. Wang Yue achieved a remarkable feat from March to December 2008 by going 85 consecutive games without a loss, establishing one of the longest streaks in chess history. He is recognized as one of the top Chinese chess players.

Yu Yangyi is a highly accomplished Chinese chess grandmaster, known for achieving the Grandmaster title at a remarkably young age. He has secured numerous titles, including three Chinese Chess Championships and the 2014 Asian Chess Championship. His success extends to team competitions as well, having been a key member of the Chinese team that won gold at the 41st Chess Olympiad and the World Team Chess Championship. Yu Yangyi's exceptional performance has been recognized with individual accolades, such as winning the individual gold medal at the 2014 Olympiad.

Xu Yuhua is a highly accomplished Chinese chess grandmaster and former Women's World Champion. She made history as China's third women's world chess champion, following in the footsteps of Xie Jun and Zhu Chen. Her reign was succeeded by other talented Chinese players, including Hou Yifan, Tan Zhongyi, and Ju Wenjun. Xu Yuhua's professional career is characterized by her strategic brilliance and significant contributions to the world of chess, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of women's chess championships.

Zhao Xue is a renowned Chinese chess player who holds the prestigious title of Grandmaster. She has been an integral part of the successful Chinese national chess team, contributing to multiple gold medal victories at prestigious events such as the Women's Chess Olympiad and the Women's World Team Chess Championship. Zhao has also showcased her talent on the international stage by participating in several Women's World Chess Championships, achieving notable success by reaching the semifinals in 2010. Her professional career exemplifies her skill, dedication, and competitive spirit in the world of chess.

Ye Jiangchuan is a highly accomplished Chinese chess grandmaster. He made history by becoming the second Chinese player to attain the prestigious Grandmaster title in 1993. In 2000, he further solidified his reputation by becoming the first Chinese player to surpass the 2600 Elo rating mark. Throughout his career, Ye Jiangchuan has been recognized for his exceptional skill and strategic prowess in the world of chess, earning him a well-deserved place among the elite players in the international chess community.

Ni Hua is a prominent Chinese chess grandmaster and national team captain. He has achieved significant success in his career, being a three-time national champion and becoming China's 15th Grandmaster at just 19 years old. In April 2008, he reached a milestone by surpassing the 2700 Elo rating mark, a feat accomplished by only a few Chinese players at the time. Notably, Ni Hua was a valuable member of the gold medal-winning Chinese team at the 41st Chess Olympiad, showcasing his exceptional skill and contribution to the sport.

Guo Qi is a highly accomplished Chinese chess player, holding the titles of International Master (IM) and Woman Grandmaster (WGM). Her impressive career includes victories such as winning the World Junior Girls Chess Championship in 2012 and the Chinese women's championship in 2016. Guo has also represented China in prestigious international competitions, earning silver and gold medals in events like the Women's World Team Chess Championship and Women's Chess Olympiad. Her skills and dedication have made her a respected figure in the world of professional chess.