The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has released its world rankings following the conclusion of April 2026. According to the updated list, Uzbekistan’s chess players have achieved a historic milestone, with two Uzbek grandmasters entering the world’s Top 5 for the first time in history.
Magnus Carlsen (Norway) continues to lead the rankings with a rating of 2840, followed by the American duo Hikaru Nakamura (2792) and Fabiano Caruana (2788).
Uzbekistan’s number one, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, maintains 4th place with a rating of 2780. His score remained unchanged as he did not participate in classical competitions during the month of April.
The most significant surge in recent months was demonstrated by Javokhir Sindarov. After winning the FIDE Candidates Tournament, where he secured victories over chess elites including Caruana, Nakamura, Praggnanandhaa, Esipenko, and Wei Yi, Sindarov climbed six spots to claim 5th place with 2776 points.
This marks the first time in the history of Uzbek chess that two grandmasters are simultaneously ranked within the world’s top five.
Other Uzbek Players in the Top 100:
- Nodirbek Yakubboev — 2689 (40th place)
- Rustam Kasimdzhanov — 2665 (50th place)
- Shamsiddin Vokhidov — 2637 (79th place)
Women’s Rankings:
Changes were also observed in the women’s division. Uzbekistan’s leading female player, Afruza Khamdamova, holds 34th place with 2423 points. Umida Omonova, who officially earned the International Grandmaster title in April, rose to 88th place with 2357 points. Meanwhile, Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova has exited the Top 100 list.
Team Rankings:
In the national team standings, the Uzbekistan Men’s Team occupies 9th place with an average rating of 2622, while the Women’s Team is ranked 17th with 2252 points.