The April rating list was primarily influenced by the Prague International Festival, the European Individual Championship in Eforie Nord, Romania, FIDE WGP Cyprus, and several European leagues.
Magnus Carlsen continues his reign at the top, slightly extending his lead over world No. 2, Hikaru Nakamura. Both gained a few rating points in March—Carlsen in the Norwegian Premier League and Nakamura in the American Cup. Meanwhile, Arjun Erigaisi reclaimed the No. 4 spot after earning five points in the Schachbundesliga 2024-2025.
Anna Muzychuk (+10) and Zhu Jiner (+11) each moved up one position in the women’s top 10 after strong performances in the Women’s Grand Prix Cyprus.
Biggest gains in top 100 (Open and Women)
Anna Shukhman achieved the biggest rating increase for the second time this year, following her outstanding performances at the FIDE World Junior Championship (where she won the title and gained 30 points) and the 3rd International Women’s Tournament in Samarkand (where she finished second and gained 18 points). The 15-year-old reached career highs in both the Women’s (#34) and Women’s Junior (#3) rating lists.
The winner of the aforementioned event in Samarkand, Alicja Sliwicka, also finished second in another women’s tournament—the Vera Menchik Memorial. Despite losing points in the FE 2 Piccola Fenice – Torneo di Carnevale, she returned to her career-high ranking of No. 66 in the women’s list.
The newly crowned European Champion, Matthias Bluebaum (+19; pictured below), along with Aryan Tari (+15) and Frederik Svane (+14), made significant rating gains in Eforie Nord.
Bibisara Assaubayeva tied a match against the much higher-rated Daniil Yuffa, earning 18 points.
Aravindh Chithambaram, who has been steadily climbing the chess rankings over the past two years, reached a major milestone in April 2025. The Thirunagar, Madurai native triumphed in the Prague International Festival – Masters and soared to No. 11 in the rating list.
Eline Roebers had a very busy March playing in four competitions and gaining rating points in 38th Festival International des Jeux de Cannes – Open A and Frauenbundesliga 2024-2025.