Sergey Karjakin’s Brief Return to FIDE’s Top 10 Chess Rankings Sparks Controversy
Sergey Karjakin’s Brief Return to FIDE’s Top 10 Sparks Controversy in Chess Community
Last Updated: March 02, 2026, 09:16 IST
In a whirlwind of excitement and controversy, Russian Grandmaster Sergey Karjakin briefly found himself back in the top 10 of FIDE’s chess rankings, only to have that moment snatched away within hours due to a correction by the governing body.
The chess world was abuzz over the weekend when FIDE released its March ratings, showcasing Karjakin at world No. 10 with a FIDE rating of 2750. This unexpected rise pushed India’s reigning world champion, Gukesh Dommaraju, down to 11th place. However, the jubilation was short-lived as FIDE quickly retracted the ranking, citing the removal of two games that had erroneously reinstated Karjakin’s active status.
Karjakin, once celebrated as the youngest-ever Grandmaster, has become a polarizing figure in chess. His outspoken support for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine has led to a significant fallout, resulting in a lack of invitations to elite tournaments. Events like Norway Chess have made it clear that he would not be welcomed back, and he has even chosen to boycott FIDE-rated events after being barred from competing under the flag of his adopted country.
The chess community has been divided over Karjakin’s actions. While some admire his talent and resilience, others view him as a controversial figure whose political stances have overshadowed his achievements on the board. His vocal support for military actions and participation in chess events held in occupied regions of Ukraine have rendered him persona non grata in many circles.
Despite the setbacks, the recent rankings update seemed to signal a potential easing of restrictions on Russian players, following FIDE’s General Assembly last December. However, the swift backlash on social media following Karjakin’s brief return to the top 10 highlighted the ongoing tensions within the chess community regarding his status.
As the dust settles, many are left wondering what the future holds for Karjakin. Will he be able to reclaim his place among the elite, or has the controversy surrounding him permanently altered his trajectory in the chess world? Only time will tell, but for now, the chess community remains in a state of reflection and debate over the implications of his brief resurgence and subsequent fall from grace.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.